Charlton’s Lee Bowyer has set the record straight regarding speculation surrounding Joe Aribo.

Reports earlier in the week suggested Arsenal were closely monitoring the 22-year-old and were nailed on to sign the academy graduate when his contract was up in the summer.

The Addicks boss however has since separated the fact from the fiction and offered his opinion on whether the sought-after midfielder was ready to make the step-up to the top flight.

“At the moment I don’t think that Joe is ready to go and play for Arsenal,” he said.

“He wasn’t playing last season hardly, now he’s got teams like Arsenal supposedly looking at him.

“That’s if it’s true.

“It could be his agent putting it out there trying to bring interest but I’ve spoken to Joe on a number of occasions and he knows how we feel about him.

“We are trying our hardest to get Joe to sign a contract, obviously the speculation in the week with Arsenal, if that is the case, it shows we’ve done a good job with Joe, to get a team like Arsenal recognising him.”

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Both Parties

Charlton will be keen not to lose one of their crown-jewels for free in the summer, especially with the next-to-nothing budget they have at their disposal.

The manager believes that Aribo staying would benefit both parties.

“He’s progressed and improved with us and this is the right place to be.

“We are trying our hardest to get him to sign, not just for us, but for his own career.

“Joe understands that, and hopefully we can overcome the barrier that’s put in front of us.”

'He comes to me'

Bowyer cites the relationship he has with Aribo as being a key factor in keeping the youngster at The Valley beyond the summer and believes the recent publicity over an Arsenal move won’t affect his game.

“I’ve spoken to him and given him advice, he comes to me.

“We have a good relationship and if he was worried or if there was something putting him off his game I’m sure he would come to me and speak about it.

“There’s no reason to have his head turned, he knows his job, and knows he’s got to keep playing well every game.

“It’s that simple.”