Striker Eddie Nketiah could become the focal point of a major transfer battle in the coming weeks. Arsenal have turned down a bid from Nottingham Forest worth £25 million plus add-ons for Nketiah.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the Gunners’ forward, who is seeking a move after falling down the hierarchy at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta. Nketiah had previously agreed to personal terms with French club Marseille, but negotiations for a season-long loan with a £25 million buy obligation fell through, as Arsenal insisted on a minimum fee of £30 million.
This valuation also applies to Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, who have both expressed interest in the England international. Arteta recently stated that there was “nothing to discuss” regarding Nketiah’s future or the possibility of acquiring a replacement.
Sources indicate that even if Nketiah, 25, is sold, Arteta may not seek another central striker but might instead pursue a wide attacker to challenge Bukayo Saka. Nketiah, who signed a five-year deal in June 2022, started only ten Premier League matches last season and has yet to feature in any competition this year.
Arsenal are also aiming to finalize a £30 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, who was absent from his team’s recent La Liga opener. Additionally, Arteta has already secured £27 million plus £7 million in add-ons from Emile Smith Rowe’s sale to Fulham this summer. Bournemouth is reportedly monitoring Nketiah’s situation as they search for a replacement for Dominic Solanke, who recently moved to Tottenham for £65 million.
Nketiah has scored 38 goals in 168 appearances for Arsenal since joining from Chelsea in 2015. A sale could provide Arteta with additional funds, complementing the arrivals of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £42 million and the permanent transfer of David Raya from Brentford.
