2 months ago
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Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has taken a major step towards joining Marseille having agreed personal terms.
The Hale End Academy graduate slipped down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order last season and hardly featured at all during the Premier League run-in.
With Kai Havertz rejuvenated in a central striking role, Nketiah found opportunities increasingly difficult to come by and ended a disappointing campaign with just six goals, three of which came in one game against Sheffield United.
Who wants to sign Eddie Nketiah?
Despite his lack of form over the last 12 months, a series of clubs have expressed an interest in the 25-year-old.
Crystal Palace have been long-term admirers and with the Gunners having earmarked England Euro 2024 star Marc Guehi as a potential new addition, talk of a swap deal emerged.
Marseille, however, are the strong favourites to sign the striker with new manager Rober De Zerbi keen to strengthen his forward line.
Indeed, the former Brighton boss is set to preside over a major overhaul of his squad and has already sanctioned the departure of former Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Nketiah’s ex-teammate has joined Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, while Marseille have also already confirmed the controversial signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.
How much will Eddie Nketiah cost Marseille?
Arsenal had hoped to attract a fee in the region of £20 million for Nketiah but hopes of receiving a major cash injection appear to be fading.
The Gunners have already committed £27m to signing David Raya permanently from Brentford, while Bologna are set to receive £50m for their Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Arteta will need to sell more first team players before he is able to make further signings but Arsenal may have to wait 12 months before banking any cash for Nketiah.
Marseille, themselves, spent a significant sum to recruit Greenwood in a deal that could eventually cost them £26.7m.
The Ligue 1 club’s preference would be to strike a season-long loan deal that would include an option to buy clause, according to L’Equipe.
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