Mikel Arteta plots surprise move for former Arsenal player

Arsenal are interested in signing winger Jaidon Anthony from Bournemouth, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has featured prominently for Bournemouth over the past two seasons, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists to help the Cherries to promotion from the Championship last season.

With Bournemouth electing not to make substantial additions to their squad this term, Anthony has started five of his side's last six games in all competitions, and scored in each of their last two matches before the World Cup.

His contract at the Cherries expires this summer, and with Bournemouth's Premier League status for next season currently unknown, he could leave the Vitality Stadium.

The player's agent, however, has remained calm on the situation (quotes via Daily Mirror): "Jaidon has always indicated he's happy at Bournemouth. He does love the club, as seen after the Burnley [FA Cup third round] game - he stayed out with the fans, he wrote a letter to them as well.

"He loves the club and his focus is trying to help the club get results and stay in the league."

However, reported interest from Arsenal may make Anthony consider a move away.

Arsenal keen on Anthony

According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners, as well as Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen, are monitoring the Bournemouth star as a potential free transfer addition in the summer.

At 23 years of age, Anthony has time to improve his game further, and now has Premier League experience with Gary O'Neil's side.

He would also provide another attacking option for Mikel Arteta's side, following the addition of Leandro Trossard from Brighton.

A left-winger by trade, Anthony is right-footed, so can also fill in on the other side of attack if required.

He is also a former Arsenal academy product, having left the club at the age of 16 to join Bournemouth. He had played in the same youth setup as current Gunners first team players Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson.

Anthony would, therefore, add another homegrown option to Arsenal's squad, and would be classed as homegrown by club given that he spent 10 years in the Gunners academy.