Arsenal’s resolve over Eddie Nketiah could be further tested as West Ham join Crystal Palace in hope that he could yet become available.
Palace had an enquiry knocked back recently and we can reveal that West Ham are the other London club who have made a tentative approach over his availability.
At the moment the message from Arsenal is clear: Not for sale.
But there is a feeling that their loyalty to Nketiah might yet be tested if they decide to sign a new striker to give their title challenge a lift.
Arsenal Firm On Nketiah Stance
There is a sense that Arsenal are taking a firm stance on Nketiah right now, partly in view of putting his valuation at a premium if any club does make an offer.
West Ham have been exploring many options ahead of the window and it is unclear just how much expectation there is on Nketiah coming to market, but the situation would become more interesting if Arsenal decide to sign a new striker.
The Gunners are having to tread carefully around FFP on the back of a big spend last summer, but they have three positions that need improving this month.
Their defence is a priority, midfield is a concern, and the attack is a high-profile issue as they lack a consistent, reliable goalscorer.
Palace and West Ham will not push the issue at this stage, but there is a feeling Arsenal could reconsider their position on Nketiah later in the window.
The 24-year-old striker has scored five goals from 10 Premier League starts this season – and that included a hat-trick against Sheffield United in a 5-0 win.
Mikel Arteta’s side were toothless in a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at the weekend and if Arsenal decide they do need to invest in a striker then they will have to sell a first-team asset to open up funds.
The ideal plan would be to put off a bid for a striker like Ivan Toney – who is rated at £80million – to the summer window, and that could still be the case.
But as they lose ground at the top and fans start to become concerned about the lack of goal threat, there will be an increased hope that they go into the market this month for a new forward.
West Ham Eyeing Options Across Europe
West Ham are interested in Nketiah but also have the net cast wide as they have checked out other forwards across Europe in recent months, including the likes of Serhou Guirassy at Stuttgart, Akor Adams at Montpellier, Timo Werner at RB Leipzig and PSG’s Hugo Ekitike. Within the Premier League they like Dominic Solanke but Bournemouth are expected to price him out of the market this month.
Palace have admired Nketiah for some time and would prefer to stick to loan deals this month – but could yet contemplate a big signing if it is considered to make a serious improvement to their long-term status.
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