According to reports, multiple Premier League clubs have enquired about the availability of Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah.
The winter transfer window is still some weeks away, but Arsenal are already shortlisting players for January. After reinforcing the defence in the summer, Arteta now wants to sign a right-winger as an alternative to Pepe. Several names have been linked with the club including Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and Juventus’ Dejan Kulusevski.
The Spaniard also wants to bring in a striker to replace the outgoing Lacazette. The Frenchman’s contract is up next summer and the club are eagerly searching for an alternative. However, Mikel Arteta needs to trim his squad before they can bring in any player and the easiest way to raise funds is by selling some of their surplus players including Nketiah.
Negotiations over a new contract for Eddie Nketiah at #AFC have so far failed to find a resolution…
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 16, 2021
According to Transfermarketweb (via TBR), Leeds United and West Ham United want to sign Eddie Nketia and both the clubs have contacted Arsenal to strike a deal for the 22-year-old forward. The young striker could exit the Emirates, as he has played very few minutes on the pitch. The Gunners could let the 22-year-old player go if they received a bid of around £10m. Nketiah has only appeared in two League Cup matches this season and has scored in both of them, including one against Leeds itself. Last season, he appeared in 17 Premier League games, with just four starts, and scored two goals and had a solitary assist.
Report: West Ham make first move to sign 22-year-old London-born striker #whufc #hammers https://t.co/i6akVAxmCX
— Hammers News (@HammersDotNews) November 14, 2021
Both Marcelo Bielsa and David Moyes are looking to add a forward to their respective squads in this transfer window. At Leeds, Patrick Bamford has struggled to replicate his previous season’s form, and therefore, Bielsa wants someone to share the responsibilities. On the other hand, Moyes wants to buy someone who can challenge for the striker’s role and have no reservations in playing as Michail Antonio’s deputy.
Clearly, the Nketiah hasn’t had his big break at the Emirates, whose current deal is set to expire next summer. Arsenal have failed to reach an agreement over a new contract with the 22-year-old and he is looking to leave the Emirates, according to Sky Sports.
His chances with the first team have dried up, with the striker not making a single Premier League appearance this term. Besides Lacazette and Aubameyang, the English forward has also fallen further down the pecking order behind Folarin Balogun. Therefore, the young forward needs to make an important decision regarding his future. It is evident that staying at Arsenal could hamper his career.
Eddie Nketiah has reportedly told Arsenal that he wants to leave the club when he contract runs out this summer pic.twitter.com/O3JoKPknh2
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) November 16, 2021
Nketiah has prior experience with Leeds when he went there on loan in 2019, scoring five goals in 19 matches. Going to fellow Londoners West Ham, he could find himself warming the bench again, as the club is aiming for a top four finish. His best option is Elland Road, a place he is familiar with. Leeds fans liked him back then, and he could bring the best out of Bamford as well as get some game time.
If the moment arrives in the January window, Nketiah should be ready to take the next step in his career. His performances with England under-21s prove his mettle and ability. But his time at the Emirates seems to be over.
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