While Crystal Palace were struggling to break Newcastle down on Tyneside last night, Eddie Nketiah was running riot in west London.
The 22-year-old scored twice as Arsenal recorded a 4-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, providing a huge boost to their Champions League hopes.
Patrick Vieira will surely be concerned by his side’s toothless display, but he may also be worried after watching Nketiah thrive.
What’s the story?
Well, as you may know, Crystal Palace are keen to sign the England Under-21 international on a free transfer when his contract expires in June.
According to The Times, the south Londoners held talks in January over a deal for Nketiah, who has rejected a new contract at the Emirates Stadium as he seeks regular playing time.
Crystal Palace also submitted a £12m bid for the Arsenal No.30 last summer.
Before last night’s win over Chelsea, Nketiah barely played as Mikel Arteta preferred to use Alexandre Lacazette.
Now, however, if Nketiah maintains his goalscoring heroics across the final six games of the Premier League season, he could end up staying at Arsenal, thwarting Vieira’s hopes of signing him.
Eddie Nketiah would thrive at Crystal Palace
In our view, Nketiah should make the move to Selhurst Park regardless of what happens between now and the end of the season.
Everything is in place for the Hale End Academy graduate to thrive in SE25, where he would spearhead a very exciting, young side full of familiar faces.
Nketiah knows the likes of Eberechi Eze and Marc Guéhi from his time with the England Under-21 side, while Vieira – a man who has placed a huge amount of faith in youngsters this season – would help him develop.
An attacking quartet of Wilfried Zaha, Eze, Michael Olise and Nketiah is a mouthwatering prospect, but the chances of it happening could now be under threat following the Arsenal man’s heroics against Chelsea.
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