Eddie Nketiah is on the radar of multiple Premier League sides as he runs down his Arsenal contract and is in line to leave the club in January.
According to Transfer Market Web, there’s a queue forming in the background for the signing of Eddie Nketiah, who could be available in the January window. West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing the Arsenal striker.
Nketiah refused to sign a new deal in the summer when Arsenal tried to extend his stay and protect his value. The club had the opportunity to cash in when Crystal Palace offered £10 million late in the window, but the Gunners were demanding close to £20 million for their academy star.
Palace eventually signed Odsonne Edouard from Celtic, who has since been a revelation at Selhurst Park. However, with Patrick Vieira looking to bring in more homegrown talent and players of a younger profile, Nketiah fits into his plans. The London side might come back in January and explore the chance to sign the striker.
Nketiah has featured just twice this season, with both appearances coming in the EFL Cup, scoring two goals in the process. He has been sharp in his displays right from pre-season, with the ankle injury seemingly ineffective on his fitness levels. There’s significant interest from England and also from clubs across Europe.
Arsenal are still reportedly trying to offer him a new deal to protect his value, although they are in line to receive a basic compensation fee if Nketiah moves on a free transfer next summer. While there have been positive signals from the player’s camp regarding an extension, the Gunners might accept a discounted offer in January.
Leeds United are also admirers of the striker, with him having already spent around six months on loan at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa before Mikel Arteta arrived at Arsenal. The Yorkshire club might rekindle their interest as they face uncertain times due to Patrick Bamford’s injury problems, leaving them short on options in the frontline.
Leeds are joined by West Ham United, who might prove to be an attractive destination owing to their current form. Joining the Hammers would let Nketiah enter European competition, which is not available at Leeds or Palace and even at Arsenal this season.
David Moyes wants a reliable goalscoring cover for star man Michail Antonio. While the role does not guarantee starts, it certainly allows the Hammers to give their important frontman some reprise in games and freshen up options on the pitch with a reliable backup.
Such a role might still be an upgrade on his situation at Arsenal, where Pierre-Emerick, Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Gabriel Martinelli are all ahead in the pecking order. Given that Arteta has been reluctant to use him in the Premier League, a move in January could benefit all parties concerned.
Leeds have formed their squad based onusing available funds to achieve the realistic target of surviving the first two seasons before strengthening for a more ambitious targetts. If, in view of the current circumstances, it’s felt we need to bring in cover for key players I would suggest the nearest thing I’ve seen to cover the key position of Bamford I would suggest Burnleys Vydra, who is out of contract next June, could produce a usefull imitation of PB for not a lot of money.