According to ONE in Israel, Arsenal’s move to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon is now ‘escalating’ with Aston Villa out of the picture.
Solomon has long been linked with Arsenal, going back to the January transfer window when The Guardian suggested the Gunners were working on a summer deal.
With Martin Odegaard unlikely to return and Emiliano Buendia off to Aston Villa, Edu is now looking to alternative targets – potentially including Solomon.
What’s the latest on Solomon to Arsenal?
Sport Arena in Ukraine claimed last week that Arsenal had submitted a £17million bid, but that was later played down.
It’s now stated that Arsenal’s move is ‘escalating’, and a firm bid is expected ‘soon’ – but their anticipated offer of €20million (£17million) is short of Shakhtar’s €25million (£21.5million) asking price.
The report even adds that Aston Villa actually wanted to sign Solomon if they lost out on Buendia to Arsenal, with the Israeli now more likely to join Arsenal.
What has been said about Solomon?
The 21-year-old has been likened to Eden Hazard by The Guardian, due to his diminutive stature and impressive dribbling ability.
Tottenham-bound manager Paulo Fonseca coached Solomon at Shakhtar, and branded him ‘wonderful’, meaning he may not want to face off against Solomon in North London derbies.
This past season, Solomon hit 11 goals and one assist, meaning he is more of a goalscorer than a creator right now, and maybe better on the left flank than as a number 10 at this stage in his development.
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