Wenger - I’m happy for Benik Afobe

Arsene Wenger says he is “very happy” that Benik Afobe is prospering in the Premier League.

The England Under-21 striker left Arsenal for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2015 after 14 years with the Gunners and, after impressing at Molineux, became Bournemouth’s record signing in January.

Afobe has scored three goals in four appearances for the Cherries and Wenger is pleased to see the 22-year-old excelling in the top tier after struggling with injuries at Arsenal.

“He was very young, he had big competition in front of him with Robin van Persie, and players like that, so I gave him authorisation to go somewhere and play, which he did,” said Wenger.

“You educate people to influence their lives and give them success, that is what we do. When they do not manage to play for us, if they do it somewhere else we are of course very happy for them. Benik has done extremely well, even beyond the expectations of many people and that’s great, that’s down to him and congratulations to him.

“I think the best way to stop [him] being dangerous is for us to have the ball and dominate the game and being aware that Benik is quick, strong and has good movement in the box. We are used to facing these kind of strikers in the Premier League because in every single club there are top-quality strikers.

“That’s the same with Bournemouth. I’ve always said that they will avoid relegation since the start of the season when I saw them play. They have enough substance in their game to stay up.”