Reported Southampton and West Ham United target Arnaut Danjuma has hinted at a move away from Bournemouth, telling Voetbal Primeur he can’t imagine spending another season in the Championship.
Jonathan Woodgate’s £14 million Netherlands international couldn’t have done much more.
Not only did Danjuma fire home the only goal of the game during Bournemouth’s 1-0 play-off semi-final first-leg victory over Brentford, he also opened the scoring in the reverse fixture in west London.
However, his 17th goal of a brilliant season counted for nothing in the end as Chris Mepham’s red card on Saturday paved the way for a stunning collapse and a stirring Brentford fightback in front of a baying crowd.
An eventual 3-2 aggregate defeat means the Cherries will still be a Championship team in 2021/22.
And with Danjuma now considering his future on the South Coast, Woodgate and co will have their work cut out if Bournemouth are to bounce back from play-off heartbreak without arguably the most gifted winger in the division.
West Ham or Southampton? A Danjuma dilemma
In March, The Sun reported Danjuma has admirers at Southampton while West Ham are in the chase for another second-tier forward after snapping up Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma.
The Hammers faithful have already given Danjuma their seal of approval too.
“I have never hidden the fact I am ambitious. If something good comes up, I will always consider it. I want to play as high as possible. If I’m honest, I don’t see myself playing in the Championship for another year,” Danjuma says, comments that will strike fear into the heart of Bournemouth supporters everywhere.
“In my view the Premier League is the best league in the world.”
Danjuma admits he’s also aware of interest from Eredivisie champions Ajax and would consider a return to his native Holland.
But if it boils down to a battle between West Ham and Southampton, the prospect of European football in the English capital may give David Moyes’ side the edge.
Then again, Danjuma is happy and settled on the South Coast and that, in turn, may put Saints in the driving seat.
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