If Eddie Nketiah joins Nottingham Forest, Edu only has one reasonable course of action at Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s transfer window activity is beginning to gather pace.

There could be a number of ins and outs at the Emirates Stadium in what remains of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal will look to sell players who are currently on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad. Eddie Nketiah is amongst those who could be moved on. 

The Hale End academy graduate has fallen down the pecking order in North London, and is now firmly behind both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the battle to lead the line for Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest had a bid for Nketiah rejected by the Gunners very recently, but may well soon return to the negotiation table, seeking to agree a deal for the striker’s services. 

Sporting director Edu is likely open to letting Nketiah go, if his asking price is met. A move would certainly suit the player. At this stage in his career, the 25-year-old needs to be playing regular football, and he won’t be granted that opportunity at Arsenal. 

However, if the Gunners do let Nketiah go, even though he isn’t exactly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta, he will still need replacing.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah from his parents to rapping

How Arsenal can replace Eddie Nketiah

The Gunners have been linked with many strikers over the course of the summer so far, with names such as Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, and many others, having been brought up repeatedly.

Arsenal also tried to sign Benjamin Sesko earlier in the window, but were rejected by the Slovenian, who ultimately opted to remain at RB Leipzig. 

Rather than bringing in an out-and-out striker to replace Nketiah, though, there is an argument that Arsenal could use a more versatile forward who can offer cover in wide areas, and support for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal could still land Nico Williams this summer, and whilst he wouldn’t offer an option to lead the line, he would be the perfect addition to Arteta’s squad in the case of Nketiah’s exit. 

Why Nico Williams is the perfect option to replace Nketiah

Williams can operate on either flank, allowing Leandro Trossard to take Nketiah’s place as the third choice striker, and he showed at Euro 2024 just what a sensational talent he is.

The 22-year-old’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium would represent a real statement of intent for Arsenal, and he is a player who could take the Gunners to the next level.