Arsenal left some of their business late, but confirmed the departure of striker Eddie Nketiah in the final hours of the transfer deadline day.
Nketiah joined the Arsenal academy in 2015, and was one of Hale End’s finest success stories as he progressed into the first-team.
The striker made 168 appearances for Arsenal since making his debut in 2017, and Nketiah scored 38 goals which included some crucial strikes, but he fell down the pecking order as Kai Havertz adapted to a centre-forward role.
Nketiah has now joined Crystal Palace for an initial £25m fee, which could rise to £30m. It was the right time for the 25-year-old to leave to find first-team action, but he was a popular figure amongst his teammates, who have now paid tribute to him.
Eddie Nketiah pens emotional farewell after Arsenal exit
Nketiah posted an emotional farewell on his Instagram account after departing his boyhood club, and plenty of Arsenal stars responded.
“Thank you Arsenal,” he posted.
“As I say goodbye, I want to take this time to say thank you to everyone at the club, from my teammates to all the wonderful staff who have been a part of my journey and have made this place home for so many years.
“Working my way up from Hale End to the first team was a dream come true. It taught me what it means to play for the club and what a privilege it is to wear the shirt. I never took it for granted and gave my all every time I stepped on the pitch.
“From scoring my first senior goal against Norwich in 2017, to making over 100 appearances for Arsenal, I have made memories here I shall carry with me for the rest of my life.
“I’m grateful to have felt your support and I’ll cherish the memories we have made.
Arsenal stars pay tribute to Eddie Nketiah
Several Arsenal stars have responded to Nketiah’s farewell, and all are eager to see him succeed at Crystal Palace.
“My brother,” Reiss Nelson commented.
“All the best bro,” Leandro Trossard replied.
“Will miss you brother,” Declan Rice responded, with the pair growing up together as part of the Chelsea academy in their younger days.
“My guy, wish you the best my brother,” former Arsenal defender Cedric Soares commented.
“Treated me like his brother from day 1,” Jurrien Timber posted on his own Instagram story about Nketiah.
Nketiah was a good servant for Arsenal, and his old teammates will hope that he can establish himself as a key player at Crystal Palace.
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