Crystal Palace will not pay Arsenal’s £40 million asking price for Eddie Nketiah despite the Eagles looking for a new striker.
Alex Crook on Give Me Sport has claimed that Crystal Palace need a new striker but will not pay Arsenal’s £40 million asking price for Eddie Nketiah. The Gunners are open to selling their academy graduate on the condition their asking price is met.
Crystal Palace not paying £40 million for Eddie Nketiah
Crystal Palace are in the market for a striker and have been searching for one since last summer. The Eagles are keen to bolster the centre-forward role as both their current stars are unable to produce what’s required from the role.
There are quite a few options on their shortlist, but they are extremely keen on Eddie Nketiah. Arsenal are demanding £40-50 million for their academy graduate, but there are doubts whether they are overly keen on a sale.
The Gunners might sell if they can find a replacement and know of Palace’s interest. The Eagles may have seen an approach turned down by Arsenal in the process. Yet, there is optimism from the London side to take the England international. But Alex Crook believes they will not pay the £40 million asking price.
Crook said, “Yeah, definitely a striker. They’re lacking in that department, but they have been for some time. The interest in Eddie Nketiah is genuine, but do I see them paying £40m? I don’t think so.”
“He’s on huge wages as well. I think at this moment in time, if they don’t get a number nine, then Arsenal won’t entertain bids anyway. Ronnie Edwards, they’ve had, I think, up to three offers throughout the summer window and going into this one rejected.”
“So they’re definitely the keenest on him. But I think half a dozen Premier League clubs are sniffing around at the moment. The vibe is that he’s more likely to stay in this window than go.”
Could Arsenal sell Eddie Nketiah?
The need of the hour for Arsenal is a new striker. But with the FFP regulations looming large after another huge summer spending spree, they may not be able to afford another big payment for a new forward. Hence, the Gunners will want to sell before they buy, with some of their homegrown stars firmly on the transfer list.
Nketiah could be the one to leave, but only if the Gunners reduce their asking price. With Palace unlikely to pay £40 million, as per Crook, the chances of Arsenal getting that much are slim. Yet, there’s a whole window ahead of them to ponder a decision. Crystal Palace could yet return to the table with an offer, which will make the Gunners think about their decision about the £40 million-rated striker.
I would sell him for £30 million plus another £10 million in add-ons after say 40 games played or 20 goals scored.