Report: Arsenal Set £40m Price Tag for Striker | OneFootball

Arsenal Prepare to Offload Eddie Nketiah Amidst Premier League Interest

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal appear ready to part ways with academy product Eddie Nketiah, with a substantial £40 million price tag attached. HITC reports that multiple Premier League clubs, including West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and AFC Bournemouth, are keen on the striker, setting the stage for a potential bidding war.

Arsenal’s Valuation and Market Interest

After the successful £34 million sale of Folarin Balogun to Monaco last year, Arsenal’s valuation of Nketiah reflects both his homegrown status and potential market demand. This asking price would represent a record transfer for several of his suitors, including Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Bournemouth. The interest from these clubs, alongside West Ham, underscores the high regard in which Nketiah is held, particularly given his impressive record as England’s Under-21 all-time top scorer.

Nketiah’s Role and Performance at Arsenal

Despite his talent, Nketiah has often found himself on the fringes of the first team, primarily used as a backup option at the Emirates. The 2023/24 season has seen him start only ten matches, with Mikel Arteta favouring Kai Havertz in the central striker role. Nevertheless, Nketiah’s goal-scoring efficiency remains notable, with five league goals this term following four in nine starts the previous season, which included a memorable brace against Manchester United.

Photo: IMAGO

Gabriel Jesus, Nketiah’s teammate, has spoken about the competitive environment at Arsenal, noting, “It’s not easy. Not only for me but for Eddie as well,” and adding praise for Nketiah’s work ethic and dedication.

Potential Suitors and Their Needs

Crystal Palace has shown long-term interest in Nketiah, seeking a reliable goal scorer as Jean-Philippe Mateta, despite recent heroics, lacks consistency. West Ham’s reliance on an ageing Michail Antonio further underscores the demand for fresh attacking options. Fulham, meanwhile, while buoyed by Rodrigo Muniz’s recent performances, are cautious about his long-term consistency in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s Forward Planning

The potential sale of Nketiah aligns with Arsenal’s broader strategy to refresh their attacking options. The club has been linked with several high-profile forwards, including Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, and Ivan Toney, indicating a clear intent to enhance their striking capabilities. Furthermore, Arsenal’s increased interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres suggests that the Gunners are committed to investing in a forward who can contribute significantly to their future ambitions.

In conclusion, Eddie Nketiah’s impending departure from Arsenal marks a pivotal moment in his career and a significant decision for Arsenal as they aim to build a squad capable of sustaining long-term success. With multiple Premier League clubs interested, the summer transfer window will likely see Nketiah at the centre of one of the more intriguing transfer sagas, as he looks to secure regular first-team football and continue his development elsewhere.