Charlton boss Lee Bowyer expects Joe Aribo to stay at The Valley amid Bundesliga speculation

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer expects midfielder Joe Aribo to sign a new contract at the club.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Addicks from Staines Town in 2015, had been linked in the national press with a move away from South London, with the German Bundesliga mentioned as a potential destination.

The midfielder’s current contract at The Valley is up at the end of this season, although an offer of a new one is on the table.

“I don’t think Joe will go,” explained Bowyer.

“We’re obviously in negotiations with Joe at the moment. Joe knows that he needs to learn. The negotiations are going well. If anything, I’d lean towards him signing. That’s what I hope. I think Joe wants to sign. Joe knows that he’s learned so much in this last year. He’s come on but he still needs to improve.

“He still needs to learn. He lost his man on Tuesday. That’s the other side of game. Yeh he’s improving in possession, getting forward and scoring but he’s got to improve the other way as well.

“He ain’t going to go anywhere and learn more than being here with us. I’m confident that he’ll stay. It shows how well he’s doing that other clubs will be interested in him.

“I think there’s other clubs interested in a lot of our players as they’re all improving and doing well in the team. Once that is happens then it draws attention from other people.”