- The Cherries had been eyeing up the Arsenal star to replace Dominic Solanke
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Bournemouth are set to drop their interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah should they complete their move for Porto’s Evanilson.
The Cherries are looking to replace Dominic Solanke and have been eyeing up a move for Nketiah after his move to Marseille fell through.
But now the south coast club look like they have found their Solanke replacement after it was reported by the BBC on Thursday that they agreed a club record £40million move for Porto’s Brazilian striker Evanilson.
Mail Sport understands that Bournemouth will no longer pursue any move for Nketiah should they sign the Brazilian.
It is understood that Evanilson still needs to complete his medical with the Cherries.
Bournemouth will drop their interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah (left) should they complete their club record move for Porto’s Evanilson (right)
Cherries boss Andoni Iraola is an admirer of Nketiah but has turned his attentions elsewhere
Nketiah, who is looking to leave the Gunners this summer, had his eyes set on a move to Ligue 1, with Arsenal and the Riviera club in protracted negotiations over his transfer fee.
Arsenal were keen not to be moved from their valuation of the academy player, who scored six times and assisted a further three goals during his 36 appearances across all competitions for the north London side last season.
Personal terms between Nketiah and Marseille had been agreed, but the club have instead sprung for Lens forward Elye Wahi in their bid to bolster their attacking ranks after bringing former Manchester United player Mason Greenwood into the side earlier in the transfer window.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, saw Solanke’s move to Tottenham last week break their transfer record, with the striker departing to the tune of £65m.
Spurs triggered the striker’s release clause in a bid to get their man after Ange Postecoglou mulled over attacking options including Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Lois Openda of RB Leipzig.
Nketiah is keen to book a move away from the Emirates to increase his playing time
Evanilson (front) starred against the Gunners in the Champions League last season
Bournemouth saw their standout forward Dominic Solanke (right) move to Spurs for £65m
Nketiah is believed to be keen to seal a move before the end of the summer window in a bid to boost his playing time, after failing to cement a permanent spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Crystal Palace, and other Premier League clubs, are also showing interest in the 25-year-old who is valued around £27m.
