Eddie Nketiah, a striker for Arsenal, is a target for Crystal Palace, but getting a deal done could be challenging.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has given GIVEMESPORT an update on Crystal Palace’s possible pursuit of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah during the January transfer window, addressing the possibility that Mikel Arteta’s team will approve a move.
Even though he has mostly played from the bench this season, Nketiah has been a reliable member of Arsenal’s squad. However, if the Gunners decide to sign a new center-forward, it’s possible that his playing time may reduce. Nketiah might be thinking of leaving the Emirates Stadium in such a situation, but Arteta might have other plans.
Due to his existing choices at Selhurst Park being flattering, Roy Hodgson will probably looking to add a new striker this month. It would make sense for the Eagles to pursue Nketiah, but the North London team may be able to outbid them.
Crystal Palace keen on Nketiah
Crystal Palace is apparently interested in signing Nketiah during the upcoming January transfer window, according to Football Transfers. This interest is reportedly a component of Crystal Palace’s plan to increase their goal-scoring capacity in the second half of the season, as the team wants to stay out of the relegation zone.
Nketiah may fall in the hierarchy at the Emirates if the Gunners decide to add a new striker before the transfer window closes. Nketiah may not do well at Arsenal, as journalist Paul Brown already revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the team is searching for a center forward who can score 20 goals or more in a season.
| Eddie Nketiah – Premier League stats | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| 17/18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 18/19 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 19/20 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 20/21 | 17 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 21/22 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 22/23 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 23/24 | 19 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Stats according to Transfermarkt, correct as of 05/01/2024 | |||||
Nketiah isn’t interested in leaving Arsenal during the winter transfer window, as journalist Jacobs previously told GIVEMESPORT, so it won’t be simple to prise him away. Arsenal has placed a £50 million price tag on the striker to stymie any interest in him, forcing teams like Brentford to hunt elsewhere for a center-forward.
Given how many games he’s played for the team this season, the 24-year-old, who Arteta called a “beast,” may not be starting as often as he would have liked, but he’s still a valuable member of the team.
Ben Jacobs update – interest in Nketiah is genuine
Jacobs has suggested that Palace’s interest in Nketiah is genuine, but the Gunners aren’t going to allow him to leave the club unless they bring in another striker. It’s a possibility that Arsenal do recruit another centre-forward, but as it stands, it might be silly for them to allow him to depart. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said…
“Yeah, I’ve got information on a few of them. With Eddie Nketiah, the Palace interest is genuine but Arsenal are not going to let Nketiah go unless they bring in another striker. So Nketiah for now is very much seen as part of Arsenal’s plans. A useful player, a squad player. But you know, he started the last game as well. He scored an important hat trick against Sheffield United.”
Roy Hodgson also wants a midfielder
With Cheick Doucoure ruled out for a significant period of the time, Hodgson and his recruitment team might be considering adding an additional body in the middle of the park. The Eagles are going through a tricky spell in the Premier League, and the absence of Doucoure is having a negative impact. Palace are even fearful that the 23-year-old may not play again before the end of the campaign, which could alter their initial transfer plans for January.
As previously reported by journalist Dean Jones on GIVEMESPORT, Palace is hoping to sign a temporary rather than a permanent midfield player during the January transfer window. The Eagles are reportedly among the teams contemplating a deal for Kalvin Phillips, a midfielder for Manchester City, according to The Athletic. Nonetheless, if he’s made available during this timeframe, he should get a lot of interest.
