Arsenal reportedly want to hand Joe Aribo a chance in the Premier League after his fine form in League One with Charlton Athletic.
Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has admitted that the club are struggling to tie down Joe Aribo amid interest from Arsenal, while speaking to the club’s official website.
The Mirror reported in March that Arsenal were keen to bring the 22-year-old to the Emirates Stadium after an impressive campaign in League One. Aribo has scored six goals for a Charlton side who are currently fifth in the table and eyeing a place in the end of season play-offs.
With the London-born Aribo out of contract at the end of this season, Arsenal have the opportunity to snap him up on a free transfer for a player who joined the Addicks from non-league Staines Town back in 2015.
Bowyer has admitted that he would love to see Aribo sign a new contract, but this is far from guaranteed as things stand.
“We’re constantly trying to get that over the line. It’s been difficult but Joe loves it here,” said the former midfielder.
“He knows that he’s learning, that he’s improving and he knows that this is a good place for him to carry on doing that. He knows that, he’s aware of that.
“There are just a few stumbling blocks that we are trying to get to the bottom of.”
Charlton have not given up hope of keeping Aribo, who was likened to former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira by former Addicks manager Karl Robinson a few years ago, as reported by the club’s official website.
But there is a space opening up in Arsenal’s midfield with Aaron Ramsey Juventus-bound.
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