Charlton Athletic boss Lee Bowyer has responded to speculation in the media linking London-born Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo with a summer move to Premier League side Arsenal.

The Gunners have emerged as a candidate to sign Aribo in the event the Addicks fail to persuade him to renew his contract which expires in the next three months, but face competition from Portuguese and German Bundesliga clubs.

''We’re trying our hardest to get Joe to sign a contract. Obviously, there was speculation earlier in the week with Arsenal. If that is the case, it shows we have done a good job with Joe.,'' Bowyer told reporters at Thursday's press conference.

''He was hardly playing last season and, if it is true, he has now got clubs like Arsenal looking at him.

''I have spoken to Joe on a number of occasions; he knows how we feel about him. He is improving and progressing and this is the best place for him to be.''

This season, Aribo has featured in 28 matches for Charlton Athletic in League One, with only one coming from the bench, and has scored 6 goals.

Igho Kingsley

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