Arsenal are watching how negotiations unfold over a £35m transfer at Chelsea with a key decision looming in north London on the future of Hale End product Eddie Nketiah.
The 25-year-old is facing uncertainty at Emirates Stadium after a disappointing season saw Mikel Arteta lose faith in Nketiah. Despite him outscoring Gabriel Jesus across the course of the Premier League campaign, the striker only started 10 of his 27 games for 1,071 minutes.
Nketiah recorded five goals and two assists through his games to pip the four goals plus five assists that Jesus penned. But the Arsenal product failed to score beyond October and went 17 appearances without a goal. Arteta further overlooked Nketiah for minutes in 11 fixtures.
Arsenal monitor Chelsea’s bid to sell Armando Broja as Crystal Palace target Eddie Nketiah
Now, Ben Jacobs reports that Arsenal are planning to sell some high-profile players and may axe Nketiah in the summer transfer window. Crystal Palace are also interested in signing the one-cap England forward, who Gareth Southgate afforded his Three Lions debut in October.
Arsenal further expect to receive offers in the region of £30-35m for Nketiah’s transfer. But a final decision on the Gunners’ asking price still looms. So, the north London club are keeping tabs on how Chelsea negotiate their sale of Armando Broja, whom the Blues value at £35m.
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Crystal Palace may face an increased price tag for Nketiah if rival striker transfers let Arsenal inflate their valuation. The Gunners are also already in a strong position to want a rich offer as they have their centre-forward under contract at Emirates Stadium through to June 2027.
Eddie Nketiah can merit a higher asking price than Everton’s offer for Armando Broja
Broja selling for £35m would only serve to strengthen Arsenal’s case as the 22-year-old only scored once through 21 Premier League appearances in 2023/24. The Albania international also offered his sole goal for Chelsea over 13 games before playing eight on loan to Fulham.
Yet, despite his limited form, Jacobs has also reported that Everton are negotiating a £30m transfer for Broja with Chelsea. He is also the subject of interest from several European sides including AC Milan and Bologna. Crystal Palace and Wolves are even looking at signing Broja.
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Everton pushing Chelsea to sell Broja in a £30m transfer, including add-ons, would surely let Arsenal demand at least £35m from Crystal Palace for Nketiah’s transfer. Despite the London native losing Arteta’s trust, he still penned a superior record to the Eagles’ alternative target.
Additionally, The Sun reports that Fulham are willing to pay £30m for Nketiah, putting them on pole position. Everton are even interested in his potential availability but only on loan for a season. With Wolves keen, too, Arsenal can certainly set a big price tag for Nketiah’s move.