According to talkSPORT, Arsenal could receive £8m for Eddie Nketiah next summer, even if they lose the striker for nothing.
What’s the story?
Well, the 22-year-old came close to joining Crystal Palace, although his wage demands saw the move break down (talkSPORT).
That was seemingly Arsenal’s last chance to receive a decent fee for the England Under-21 international, as his contract ends in June.
However, even if he leaves for nothing, talkSPORT believe the Gunners will receive £8m should Nketiah end up joining another English side.
Why? Well, the forward – who talkSPORT rate at £20m – came through the Hale End Academy, meaning Arsenal are due compensation for developing the attacker.
It’s a rule which saw Fulham receive £4.3m for Harvey Elliott in 2019, even though Liverpool snapped him up once his contract had ended.
Arsenal in a good position with Eddie Nketiah
This ruling allows Arsenal more time to sort out Nketiah’s contract situation.
Safe in the knowledge that they have £8m in the bank – not much more than Patrick Vieira would’ve paid anyway – Arsenal can take their time here.
If they weren’t due compensation, Edu may find himself under pressure to receive a fee for Nketiah in January.
Now, however, the Gunners can spend their time until next summer trying to convince their No.30 to sign a new deal.
If Nketiah continues to refuse, then Arsenal have no choice but to wave him goodbye, all while receiving a decent £8m fee for their academy graduate.
It’s far from an ideal situation, and if Nketiah had been sent on loan elsewhere and impressed, maybe Arsenal could’ve got something close to £20m.
However, in the context of the situation, the Gunners can’t be unhappy with £8m.
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