After AFC Bournemouth rejected a transfer request, Arsenal’s desire to move struggling striker Eddie Nketiah has gained momentum due to Nottingham Forest’s interest.
After selling Dominic Solanke to Tottenham, several sources stated that the Cherries were interested in Nketiah; however, they instead bought Evanilson in a club-record move.
The Gunners, who are really eager to get rid of academy graduate Nketiah during the summer transfer window, were devastated to hear the news.
Despite having connections to Crystal Palace and Marseille, Arsenal has been unable to achieve an exit, even lowering their asking price to get Nketiah off their books.
There is fresh hope, though, with Sky Sports now reporting that Forest have suddenly become interested in a possible deal.
Nketiah has three years left on his Arsenal contract and it is thought he wants to secure regular first-team football.
The 25-year-old has produced just 38 goals across 168 games for Arsenal to date and has never been able to truly cement his place in the Gunners XI.
Meanwhile, the Daily Express are reporting that Arsenal have an ‘obvious swap deal opportunity’ with Crystal Palace and should use it if they wish to finally get rid of Nketiah.
They claim Arsenal could attempt to launch a swoop for Eberechi Eze in a move which would see Nketiah head in the other direction.
That is very unlikely to happen, though, given that England international Eze is among Palace’s most talented players and is likely to only be sold for a high price.
Speaking last season, Tim Sherwood bizarrely attempted to claim that Nketiah was a better player than Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund.
‘He can play in a lot of teams,’ Sherwood said. ‘A lot of big teams. You’re telling me this boy couldn’t play for Man Utd at the moment instead of Rasmus Hojlund?
‘He’s an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund. [United] spent an awful lot of money on him. For me, Eddie Nketiah is top draw. I think he warrants playing for Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.’