Arsenal has reportedly rejected Crystal Palace’s initial bid for England-Ghanaian striker Eddie Nketiah, as reported by Goal.com.
The Eagles had reignited their interest in the out-of-favour 24-year-old, who has found himself on the bench following the return of Gabriel Jesus to full fitness.
Despite Nketiah’s impressive performance in the first few months of the season, Arsenal’s decision to rebuff Palace’s enquiry stems from Manager Mikel Arteta’s unwavering confidence in the England-Ghanaian striker.
The Gunners have made it clear that Nketiah is not available for sale during the January transfer window, reinforcing his status as an integral figure in the squad.
Nketiah has contributed significantly to Arsenal’s campaign this season, amassing six goals and four assists, with five of those goals coming in the Premier League. However, the resurgence of Gabriel Jesus, who boasts 10 goal contributions with seven strikes and three assists, has limited Nketiah’s starting opportunities. According to Transfermarkt his current market value is estimated at €35 million.
Mikel Arteta, despite the competition for a starting spot, remains a staunch admirer of Nketiah’s skillset. The decision to retain Nketiah underscores the manager’s belief in the striker’s potential contributions to the team’s success in the coming months.
As the January transfer window draws to a close, Arsenal’s rejection of Crystal Palace’s bid sends a clear message about the club’s commitment to retaining key players and their faith in Nketiah’s role within the squad.
