Fabrizio Romano has taken to Twitter to reveal that Crystal Palace and West Ham both approached Eddie Nketiah, before he decided to stay at Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old seemed likely to leave the Emirates Stadium when his contract expires next month, as he wanted regular playing time.
However, a strong end to the campaign has changed things for Nketiah, who finished the season with ten goals in 28 appearances.
Now, the England Under-21 international is ready to sign a new contract with the Gunners, with a five-year deal set to be signed according to Romano.
It means Patrick Vieira and David Moyes will have to look elsewhere, as well as Eddie Howe – Newcastle were also said to be interested.
According to the Daily Mail, Nketiah’s new contract is worth £100,000-a-week, which represents a real show of faith from Mikel Arteta.
With Alexandre Lacazette’s contract expiring next month, the Hale End graduate will be Arsenal’s main man up top next season, unless a new striker is signed.
West Ham needed Eddie Nketiah more than Crystal Palace
In our view, this is more of a blow to the Hammers than it is for the Eagles.
Moyes currently has few striking options after the sale of Sebastien Haller.
Michail Antonio is the only centre-forward at his disposal, and with another season of European football to come, the Irons need more depth in attack.
In Crystal Palace’s case, Vieira already has Jean-Philippe Mateta, Christian Benteke, Odsonne Edouard and Jordan Ayew, while Wilfried Zaha can also operate centrally.
Having said that, Benteke could be leaving Selhurst Park, so perhaps Nketiah was set to replace the Belgian in south London.
Whatever happens, it is back to the drawing board for Crystal Palace and West Ham, with Arsenal now set to keep Nketiah in north London.
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