West Ham United are eyeing a move for Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah, who has emerged as a potential replacement for Sebastien Haller.
According to Evening Standard, Eddie Nketiah has emerged as a subject of interest for West Ham. The Hammers are apparently in the hunt for a new striker following the departure of Sebastien Haller, with the Arsenal striker now appearing as one of the potential options.
Although West Ham have also identified the likes of Joshua King and Boulaye Dia, Nketiah could be an interesting alternative for multiple reasons. In fact, the London club has already asked Arsenal if they are open to selling the youngster, whose contract expires at the end of next season.
A native of London, Nketiah is one of many academy products plying their trade at Arsenal this season. He has even mustered over 1,000 minutes of first-team football in all competitions so far, primarily due to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s poor performances in front of goal. Mikel Arteta’s tendency to switch things around in the cup matches has also favoured the youngster.
However, in recent weeks, Nketiah has struggled to get into the starting eleven due to Alexandre Lacazette’s fiery form in front of goal. The return of Gabriel Martinelli has also played a key role in minimising his game-time. And as we head towards the second half of the campaign, where Arteta is unlikely to make radical squad rotation, the young striker could find it difficult to get regular chances.
For West Ham, it could be an ideal opportunity to secure the services of the ex-Chelsea youth player. The Hammers are in need of reinforcements in the offensive following Haller’s January switch to Ajax, which has created a void in the offensive unit.
Nketiah, in that regard, could be an ideal fit for David Moyes’s men. His pace, tenacity and sharpness in front of goal could propel the Scot’s counter-attacking approach. It should also combine well with like-minded forwards like Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma – potentially creating a deadly offensive trifecta.
Arsenal too could fancy offloading Nketiah in this January transfer window. His potential departure could open up some space in the offensive unit while also serving as a financial boost. Arteta, in fact, has already shown an intention of selling fringe players this month, with Mesut Ozil notably being linked with a move to Fenerbahce. So it won’t be surprising to see Nketiah heading to West Ham.
