Arsenal are not willing to sell Eddie Nketiah as per journalist Ben Jacobs, as Mikel Arteta considers the 24-year-old him an essential part of his plans.
According to Ben Jacobs on Give Me Sport, Arsenal are unwilling to sell Eddie Nketiah, as there are several factors to consider. Mikel Arteta continues to count on the 24-year-old attacker, although they might change their stance if a new striker comes in.
Ben Jacobs insists that Arsenal are not primarily thinking about selling Eddie Nketiah as he suggests Mikel Arteta views the 24-year-old attacker as an important part of his plans. He said, “I don’t think Arsenal want to sell Nketiah.”
“Of course, the player perspective is also important (it was especially so, for example, with Folarin Balogun’s exit), but the Arsenal forward is seen as really important. Arsenal will need depth and goals to win the Premier League and not fade like last season.”
“And part of their stumble down the stretch was down to the injury to William Saliba and not having enough cover. I sense Arsenal will only change their view on Nketiah if they bring in another striker. It’s true Toney would welcome an approach from Arsenal.”
Eddie Nketiah’s situation at Arsenal
Arsenal are linked with several striker targets ahead of the January window, and considering the limited cash at their disposal, it has put Nketiah in the spotlight. A report insisted they are open to selling the 24-year-old, considering clubs are interested.
The primary reasons to think of a sale stem from links to Ivan Toney, with the Brentford striker set to cost a lot of money in January. Arsenal in turn are demanding significantly from suitors to sell Nketiah, with the price somewhere between £40-50 million.
West Ham is keen on Nketiah, but so are some other sides, like Crystal Palace, as per multiple reports. However, as Jacobs insists, Arsenal might only consider offers for their academy star if they need to fund a new striker in January.
What do Arsenal need in January?
The Gunners have a few shortages in specific areas of their squad, but despite what many suggest, the centre-forward role can be done without immediate revamping. Gabriel Jesus slowly returns to his combative best, while Nketiah can prove a handy customer when called upon.
There are suggestions they need a new defender, with a report stating an imminent loan-to-buy offer for Goncalo Inacio of Sporting CP. However, Arteta might also focus on bringing in a new midfielder to complement Declan Rice and add some steel.
Hence, a striker signing seems much more unimportant right now, considering Arsenal tends to spread their goals around properly. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have yet to hit the heights of last season, and together with Martin Odegaard, they have plenty of players who can contribute with goals apart from Jesus and Nketiah.
