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Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe dismisses link to Arsenal job

Jack Wilshere may make Bournemouth debut

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Eddie Howe says he's only focused on his job at Bournemouth, after reports suggested he could replace Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

Eddie Howe has insisted he is committed to Bournemouth following reports on Thursday that Arsenal want to hire him.

Some newspapers suggested Howe was being seriously considered as a replacement for Arsene Wenger at the Emirates.

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Premier League build-up

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But speaking on Thursday ahead of the Cherries' Premier League home clash against West Brom, Howe said: "I'd rather be linked doing something right than the other way, but my only focus is winning with Bournemouth.

"I am loyal. I love the town and I want to continue that association for as long as possible."

Specifically on the link to the Gunners role, he added: "It's meaningless. I don't want to hear it. I don't need to hear it. I just want to win games.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07:  Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal and Eddie Howe manager of Bournemouth shake hands prior to the Barclays Premier Leagu
Image: Eddie Howe had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Arsene Wenger

"It's very hard to predict the future. If you try to then you come unstuck. In football management, you live week to week.

"You turn a blind eye to speculation and anyone that tells me about it I believe it is not meaningful and it doesn't help me get results for this club."

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Asked about the England midfielder, Howe added: "He has settled in very well with the changing room and dynamics of the group. He's given the whole club a lift and raised levels in training.

"He's been very bright in training & his technical ability is of a very high level. We'll see what my team selection is."

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