Pundit tells Arsenal to hijack Newcastle United's transfer 'upgrade' plan

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this month, but one pundit believes the forward would be perfect for another Premier League club. The Magpies have been tipped to sign a forward this month amid their disappointing start to the campaign.

Eddie Howe's men are looking up at the European spots this season, and having been left short at times up top, amid Harvey Barnes' injury absence, while Alexander Isak has also struggled for fitness at times, an attacking signing is viewed as the solution. Reports claimed this week that Newcastle enquired about the availability of Bournemouth striker Solanke, only to be told by the Cherries that he will not be sold this month.

Solanke has an impressive 65 goals in 180 league games for Bournemouth, who have been in the bottom half for the duration of those appearances, and the one-time England international is an attractive option as a result of his goalscoring ability. But according to pundit Chris Sutton, it is Arsenal who are the standout option for Solanke.

"Whether Solanke is an upgrade or not, he's a player who I rate highly especially this season, the more I've seen of him," Sutton told the Daily Mail.  I think he's finding himself. He knows his game now. You could have questioned his goalscoring record in the past, but at this moment in time, I think that Newcastle are right to go for him. I know Arsenal have got this FFP issue and what have you, whether they can spend big money but I'm surprised Arsenal haven't made some sort of move for him. Maybe they have."

Both Arsenal and Newcastle are battling FFP issues this winter, and it's possible neither could afford what Bournemouth are likely to demand for Solanke if they were to sell this month in any case. But having moved up to the edge of mid-table, it seems Bournemouth are putting their season before any possible transfer windfall.