Arsenal may be able to use Eddie Nketiah in a deal to sign a target who could otherwise be too expensive for the club this summer.
Mikel Arteta is thought to have a range of targets on his shortlist, with Edu and his team once again having no easy task.
Arsenal began last summer with the successful pursuit of Kai Havertz from a fierce rival, a signing quickly followed by Declan Rice’s arrival.
However, Arsenal’s attempts to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko were in vain this month, leading Edu to look elsewhere.
And instead of signing a striker, it seems as if Arsenal may now predominantly target a midfielder as their marquee signing, whilst improving squad depth in other areas.
Depending on Arteta’s plans for Rice next season, Arsenal could either sign a number six or an eight, ideally finding a player who can do both.
Of course, if Arsenal do decide it’s a more creative profile they need, then Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze could be the perfect signing.
Eddie Nketiah could be the key to Arsenal signing Eberechi Eze this summer
Arsenal are firmly interested in Eze, who has a £60m release clause this summer.
And despite the club’s admiration for the England midfielder, Arsenal may decide against a move because of Palace’s demand for a £50m payment up front.
As mentioned, Arsenal want to improve their playing staff in several areas, and may be reluctant to commit so much of their budget to one deal with such a payment.
However, that’s where Nketiah can help.
Palace are said to be long-term admirers of Nketiah, who is once again linked with a move from the Emirates this summer.
And although Arsenal haven’t executed a swap deal since Henrik Mkhitaryan traded places with Alexis Sanchez in 2018, there could be a possibility this summer.
Arsenal could offer Nketiah and cash for Eze, a deal that could therefore suit all parties.
Eze is evidently ready to play Champions League football, as his minutes for England have proved.
And if the ‘world class’ midfielder were to move to Tottenham Hotspur instead this summer, another club he’s linked with, Arsenal could seriously regret not exploring a trade.
All that being said, Barcelona are now worried that Arsenal could beat them to one La Liga signing.