Journalist Chris Wheatley has now named one Arsenal player who he feels is likely to depart in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal are set for a busy summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu will already have an idea of how they want to reshape their first-team squad over the course of the coming months.
There are certain exits that already look all but guaranteed. For instance, Cedric Soares is set to depart the Emirates Stadium as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this season, and Mohamed Elneny is likely to follow suit.
On top of that, Arsenal are aware that Aaron Ramsdale will have to be moved on this summer, as the goalkeeper will not be satisfied with a back-up role in north London.
Arsenal are also thought to be open to offers on three of their Hale End academy graduates, namely Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, and Eddie Nketiah.
Do Arsenal have a plan for Eddie Nketiah?
Chris Wheatley has now had his say on the subject of Nketiah. Speaking on The Chris Wheatley Show, the reporter stated, “I think with Eddie Nketiah a departure is really possible. I think the main thing is his lack of game time, he hasn’t played much, and when he does play it’s usually bit-part cameo roles in the latter stages of games. I think, when you look at Nketiah, he’s someone that really needs to be playing week in, week out.”
“There was interest from Crystal Palace, of course, in the past. I think, maybe, they will be back this summer. There’s going to be other teams, of course. He’s got the same agent as Bukayo Saka, so they can certainly market him around and probably find a good club for him. I don’t think his long-term future is for Arsenal.”
Crystal Palace did make an approach for Nketiah just prior to the January transfer window, that the Gunners rebuffed.
Since then, though, the 24-year-old striker has been a bit-part figure in Arteta’s plans.
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Why Eddie Nketiah must leave Arsenal this summer
At the start of the current campaign, whilst Gabriel Jesus was struggling with a fitness issue, Nketiah was a regular in the starting XI. The forward began the season in fine form, netting in two of his first three league outings. He was rewarded for his impressive showings at club level with a first England cap in October.
Later that same month, he bagged his maiden Premier League hat-trick in a 5-0 mauling of Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium. However, he has failed to find the back of the net in any of his 14 Premier League appearances since then. Nketiah has not started a game in the top flight of English football yet in 2024.
Jesus is back to fitness now, Kai Havertz has impressed up front in recent weeks, and Leandro Trossard can also effectively deputise as a striker. Nketiah is now arguably the fourth-choice pick to lead the line for the Gunners. What’s more, Arsenal are eyeing up the signing of a major striker this summer.
At this stage in his career, he needs to be playing regular football. He is unlikely to ever get the chance to do that again for Arsenal, so a move away this summer would be best for all parties. His agency, Elite Project Group, who also represent Bukayo Saka, will help him to seek pastures new.