- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Arsenal are prepared for Eddie Nketiah to stay at the club this season if a deal with Marseille falls through.
The Gunners are more than happy to keep hold of the 25-year-old forward if his valuation is not met by interested parties.
Eddie Nketiah agreed personal terms with Marseille over a move but the clubs remained in talks over a transfer fee.
The Ligue 1 outfit made a bid of around £20million for Eddie Nketiah but Arsenal sources have confirmed that it was not even close to their valuation – which was closer to £50million.
HITC understands that Mikel Arteta is more than happy to keep Nketiah at the club if a deal cannot be agreed, insisting he was never pushing him out of the club.
There has also been Premier League interest in Nketiah this summer, but as it stands he is likely to remain at Arsenal.
Marseille turn attention to new target
With Roberto De Zerbi at the helm, Marseille had made Nketiah one of their top targets for a new striker this summer.
But the French club do not appear close to Arsenal’s valuation and they have now set their sights on a new target.
German international forward Youssoufa Moukoko has agreed personal terms with Marseille, who are now close to finalising a loan with an option.
Moukoko had made it clear he wants to leave Dortmund and he is now set to get his wish with a move to the south of France.
Arsenal in no rush to sell
It is understood that Arsenal are in no rush to sell Nketiah and are happy to keep him around unless a higher bid is tabled.
READ MORE: ‘Time’s up’… £30m Arsenal star told to find a new club this summer
The Gunners parted ways with Emile Smith Rowe in a £34million deal to Fulham, while Reiss Nelson has also been linked with a move to West Ham.
The money raised from those two sales is enough for Arsenal to reinvest and navigate PSR, meaning Nketiah could now stay at the club as a striker option.
The post Arsenal ready for £20m+ deal to collapse, Mikel Arteta is happy for star to stay appeared first on HITC.
from HITC https://ift.tt/NcqXKeo
No comments: