Marseille are in advanced conversations with Arsenal about signing Eddie Nketiah, as they are structuring a pay-later arrangement.
According to L’Equipe, Arsenal and Marseille are engaged in advanced conversations about the Eddie Nketiah transfer. The Ligue 1 giants are keen to defer payments by a year, which firmly points towards a loan move with an obligation to buy next summer, with the striker keen on the move.
Marseille closing in on Eddie Nketiah?
Marseille sold former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Saudi side Al-Qadsiah and then Iliman Ndiaye to Everton. They are angling for a move for Arsenal man Eddie Nketiah to improve their strike force. The Ligue 1 outfit are reportedly looking to change at least 80% of their current starting lineup, which will see them make a lot of transfer ins and outs in this window.
Mason Greenwood has already signed up, while Marseille have landed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Roberto De Zerbi is targeting Premier League-level players this summer. Nketiah is next on their list, as the Ligue 1 giants are in advanced talks with Arsenal about a move.
With the club angling numerous moves, they are exploring the idea of a loan with a buy obligation at the end of next season. Marseille are keen on deferring payments by a year, which will allow them some room to use those funds on other recruits and still have the 25-year-old Arsenal homegrown player, with Nketiah keen on the move.
The Gunners are not opposed to the idea as things stand, provided it guarantees them the funds next summer for the striker. They made a similar agreement with Marseille for the sale of midfielder Matteo Guendouzi. Incidentally, they agreed to a deal with Brentford for David Raya, where they paid the keeper later.
Will Arsenal sell Nketiah?
Nketiah did start the previous season as their central striker due to the unavailability of Gabriel Jesus, who had an injury and proved a handful. However, the Brazilian’s return, and then the emergence of Kai Havertz in that centre-forward role has reduced the 25-year-old Arsenal homegrown player’s role within Mikel Arteta’s side.
Nketiah did manage 27 Premier League games but only five goals, meaning Arteta expected plenty more from the homegrown attacker. Hence, he might be willing to offload the player to free up space in the squad and on the wage bill so as to re-invest in a new striker or a wide attacker.
