Charlton Athletic boss reacts to Arsenal link to star midfielder Joe Aribo

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Charlton Athletic midfielder Joe Aribo was linked with Arsenal over the weekend – but manager Lee Bowyer reckons he knows where the story originates from.

The 22-year-old South Londoner is due to be out of contract at the end of June.

And Charlton’s hopes of keeping Aribo could rest on them winning League One promotion this season.

A national newspaper reported that the Gunners have been watching the former Staines Town man.

Bowyer said: “If it’s true then it’s good on our behalf. It means the job we are doing with him is a good job.

“But I think it’s his agent, if I’m honest. I’m not reading too much into that.

“I spoke to Joe last week, I had a meeting with him. He wants to sign and I think it’s just trying to agree with his agent.

“Joe likes it here. He’s learning and improving – that’s all you can say.

“He knows this is a good place for him to be. The lad is improving lots.”