Arteta now willing to sell £35m Hale End gem even though he wants to stay at Arsenal

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Mikel Arteta is now said to be willing to offload an Arsenal fan-favourite this summer as he looks to raise funds ahead of new players arriving.

Whatever happens in the closing stages of the season, it seems clear that Arteta and Edu Gaspar will oversee another big summer of recruitment.

That’s not to say that there will be an influx of signings, rather big spending on a few individuals akin to Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber last season.

And were Arsenal to add those new faces right now, their squad would become bloated, hence the need for players to head in the other direction.

Aaron Ramsdale is an obvious name for the departure list, and perhaps some may even fear that Emile Smith Rowe could be close to an exit.

But via a new report from TEAM Talk, it’s Eddie Nketiah who could be one of the first out of the door.

According to the report, Nketiah already has three potential suitors in the Premier League, with Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford all interested.

Mikel Arteta could sanction summer exit for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah

Although Nketiah is said to be willing to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates, the Arsenal hierarchy feel a departure is best.

Nketiah’s preference is said to be to stay in London, and Crystal Palace are most advanced in their work behind the scenes.

It certainly would be a shame to see £35m-rated Nketiah leave Arsenal, it’s never satisfying watching a Hale End graduate leave for pastures new.

But ultimately a move for the striker could also be best for his career at this point given he’s simply not playing minutes.

Nketiah managed to get himself in the England squad not so long ago, demonstrating his ability, but he’s clearly not someone Arteta will turn to when all are fit.

It remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta will move to sign a striker this summer, with interest in Ivan Toney now seemingly dissipating.

Perhaps a big move for Victor Osimhen could still be on the cards, but it’s all very speculative at this stage.

All that being said, it seems as if another Arsenal fan-favourite should leave once the season concludes so he can also progress his own career.