Tottenham have reportedly set their sights on the possible signing of Dominic Solanke this summer.
And The Pitch Prospect’s Jamie O’Hara is absolutely delighted about it.
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Solanke scored an impressive 19 goals in the Premier League last season – only three strikers have scored more goals in the entire top division.
Just last year, Solanke signed a contract extension that would keep him at Bournemouth until 2027.
But the Chelsea Academy graduate, who has been with the Cherries since 2019, could now return to London, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The 26-year-old is said to have a £65 million release clause in his contract and has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea.
But Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is on the lookout for a new striker, especially as the future of striker Richarlison is still uncertain.
The Brazilian scored just 12 goals in the Premier League last season and O’Hara believes Solanke would be a significant “improvement” given those statistics.
“I think it’s a great signing,” he admitted. “I think he’s really good. He was great last season. I think he would be a good fit for Spurs.”
“The problem he has with Richarlison is that he can finish and knows where the net is. But his combination play is his own.
“It goes into him – little one-twos and that all around the penalty area. He’s not clever enough. And I think he needs to work on that.”
“I hope Ange understood him and said: ‘Look, you have to step up if you want to play number nine for us. You have to be that player.’
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“But Solanke’s interplay is really good. You can put him under pressure, the runners play against him. You know you can get Son past him, but he also has pace and can finish.
“I think he’s an improvement. I think he would be a really good player for us.”
“There was talk in January about a possible move. He has performed well. Bournemouth didn’t want to let him go because I think they are afraid of relegation.”
“I think now would be a good time to bring in Solanke. I really like him. I think he’s a good signing.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that Solanke’s future is still uncertain, despite him currently undergoing pre-season training with the club.
“Dom is happy,” he said. “He has come back in very good shape, is training very well and the relationship with his teammates is very good.”
“But the market is open. You can’t say whether it will stay or go, because we don’t know. Ultimately, it’s something you can’t control.”
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The Cherries are currently on a pre-season tour of the USA, where they drew 1-1 with Wrexham in a friendly and achieved the same result against Arsenal – although the Gunners won 5-4 on penalties.
They have two more games in the US and are preparing for meetings with Rayo Vallecano and Girona before returning home.
Their 2024/25 Premier League season begins on Saturday 17 August with an away game against Nottingham Forest.