Everton is reportedly in the race to sign Eddie Nketiah, a “top draw” striker for Arsenal, after AFC Bournemouth declined to sign him.
After selling Dominic Solanke to Tottenham, Bournemouth were exploring a move for Nketiah, but they ultimately signed Evanilson in a club-record deal.
Nketiah, the struggling star, has been linked to Nottingham Forest since the Cherries rejected him, although Crystal Palace is reportedly still considering him.
According to Football Insider, Everton is currently the most recent team to enter the contest. The Toffees intend to sign Nketiah on a loan basis for the 2024–25 campaign.
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.
Speaking last season, Tim Sherwood lauded Nketiah after he scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United and insisted he was good enough to play in any team.
‘I feel sorry for Eddie Nketiah, because people [in general] and Arsenal fans, no matter who it is, they are always asking questions about him and looking what he can’t do,’ Sherwood told Sky Sports.
‘I like to look at what he can do. He can play in a lot of teams. A lot of big teams. You’re telling me this boy couldn’t play for Man United 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.
‘Gabriel Jesus has [not] helped him out massively as well. They’re always looking for something else and I think we should appreciate what we’ve got in front of our nose.
‘That boy has come through the academy… I cannot speak highly enough of him.’