London is home to a vast amount of clubs to choose from and players who play for a London club want to stay in the capital city. This seems the case for one of the Arsenal fringe players.
Striker on the move
It looks like Eddie Nketiah’s time at Arsenal is up. The 100k-a-week striker is reportedly on the transfer list as Mikel Arteta looks to trim his squad down with certain fringe players not making the cut.
With the likely signing of Chelsea striker Kai Havertz, it means Nketiah drops further down the pecking order and is deemed not to be part of Arteta’s plans for the future.
Crystal Palace linked with the Arsenal striker in January but Arteta needed him due to an injury crisis at Arsenal. However, they are believed not to have lost their interest in Nketiah.
Nketiah to bring firepower to Crystal Palace
With Wilf Zaha likely to be leaving Crystal Palace, the Eagles need to add more attacking talent up front. Nketiah certainly fits the bill and he would certainly find the net for Roy Hodgson’s men.
As the record goalscorer for the England Under 21s with 16 goals in 17 games, he has a great record in front of goal. Even this season when he was thrust into the first team due to the injury of Gabriel Jesus he managed to score four goals including two massive goals against Manchester United in a 3-2 win.
If he is made the main man at Palace then they could have a striker that pushes them for European football after an 11th-placed finish last season.
How much will he cost?
After impressing this season it does seem a surprise Arsenal are willing to let him leave but if Crystal Palace want to get their man they might have to pay a handsome fee.
With four years still to go on hi contract, the deal will likely be around £30 million plus for a talented young player who is desperate for starting game time.
Is he the only Arsenal striker to leave?
Although Arsenal are reportedly interested in letting Nketiah go, there are also reports that he could not be on his own.
Folarin Balogun, who recently declared his nationality for USA, could also be set for a departure after a successful loan spell at Reims he is on the radar of many clubs. Crystal Palace are also interested in this Arsenal man.
Rumours are it could be one of either Balogun or Nketiah but if the offer is right then it could be both.