Shakhtar Donetsk's Israeli forward Manor Solomon (L) controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League football match between Shakhtar Donetsk and Inter Milan at the Olympiyskiy stadium in Kiev on October 27, 2020. (Photo by Sergei SUPINSKY / AFP) (Photo by SERGEI SUPINSKY/AFP via Getty Images)
According to The Guardian, Arsenal are keeping close tabs on highly-rated Shakhtar Donetsk winger Manor Solomon with a view to a potential transfer in the summer window.
As per the report, the Gunners have held initial talks with the Israeli international’s camp after scouting him extensively in recent months and could firm up their interest during pre-season. However, it is understood that Mikel Arteta’s side would need to come up with a sizable offer to lure the 21-year-old away from the Ukrainian giants.
Solomon started his career with Maccabi Petah Tikva in his native Israel, bursting on to the scene during the 2016-17 season. He went on to register 8 goals and 6 assists in 73 appearances for his boyhood club over two-and-a-half seasons before earning a move to Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2019.
The Israeli starlet racked up some impressive numbers at Shakhtar in the previous campaign, accumulating 6 goals and 5 assists in 29 appearances as the Ukrainian heavyweights romped home to the domestic title. Solomon also caught the eye in the group stages of the Champions League, scoring against Atalanta and Man City.
The youngster has once again earned plenty of plaudits for his heroics in the Champions League this season. Solomon scored in both home and away legs against Real Madrid, helping Shakhtar complete a double over the La Liga champions in the group stages. The 21-year-old has amassed 12 goals and 7 assists in 62 appearances for the Ukrainian outfit in all competitions, despite not being a regular starter.
Arsenal completing a deal for Manor Solomon would represent a useful long-term addition to Arteta’s ranks. The Gunners have struggled for goals in the Premier League this season, scoring only 20 times in 18 games so far.
The Israeli starlet’s versatility to operate in multiple positions across the forward line would, therefore, hand a significant boost to the squad heading into the following campaign.
Arsenal roped in Willian on a free transfer from London rivals Chelsea this past summer to strengthen in the wide attacking department. The Brazilian has featured as a regular starter under Arteta but hasn’t been able to hit the heights expected of him. He is yet to score in 18 appearances, which clearly shows that the move hasn’t really worked out well.
With Nicolas Pepe also offering very little, the Gunners would be well within their rights to look at a potential deal for Solomon. The youngster has backed up his strong domestic performances in Ukraine with some impressive displays against elite-level opposition in the Champions League. He isn’t the finished article just yet but has already shown the potential to thrive in more competitive surroundings.
Arsenal have talented youngsters like Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka competing for places on the flanks. With Willian looking like a player past his prime at 32, the acquisition of Manor Solomon would be a sensible move next summer. The Israeli still has plenty of room for development, thus making him more than worth a punt for Arteta.