According to Sky Sports, Eddie Nketiah has rejected the latest contract offer from Arsenal. Arsenal’s hopes of convincing the young English forward have been dealt with a severe blow.
January is arriving fast and the Gunners are looking to tie down players with new deals whose contracts expire at the end of the season. Players in the last year of their contracts are free to negotiate with foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract. One such Arsenal player is Eddie Nketiah.
Mikel Arteta publicly stated that he wants the youngster to stay at the club. However, the mere words of the manager will not convince him, with the player making his first Premier League appearance this season against Manchester United last week.
The youngster has informed the club of his desire to leave. Reports have also stated that Nketiah’s decision to leave North London is not motivated by the financial elements of the new contract offer, but his limited time on the pitch. This has created a problem for the Gunners as they do not want their academy graduate to leave.
Various sources reported interest for the 22-year-old from multiple clubs. Premier League clubs West Ham United and Leeds United are reportedly interested in securing the player’s services and have contacted the North London outfit to strike a deal.
🚨 ❌ | Eddie Nketiah has rejected Arsenal's latest contract offer pic.twitter.com/bFvJJmV2r1
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) December 1, 2021
Earlier, during the summer transfer window, Nketiah was close to joining Crystal Palace, but the Gunners blocked the deal. Now, it seems that the Gunners have no other option but to sell him in January else he could leave for free in the summer.
The player will turn 23 in May and would be allowed to make a cross-border transfer for free. From 1st January, the England U21 forward would be eligible to agree on a pre-contract with any club. Thus, the only way Arsenal could receive some compensation for the young forward is by agreeing on a deal in the winter transfer window.
Apart from the Hammers and the Whites, various other Pl clubs like Crystal Palace are also interested. Outside England, German club Borussia Monchengladbach are believed to be keeping tabs on the player.
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The forward has featured only once in the Premier League this season, brought on as a substitute against Manchester United with 11 minutes remaining. He has played in two League Cup matches and has scored in both of them.
Even though his performances have been good whenever given the opportunity. He has failed to dislodge Aubameyang and Lacazette from the starting lineup. Clearly, Nketiah’s time on the pitch has been reduced and it is understandable why he wants a change of scenario.
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