£30m striker eyed by Mikel Arteta could now deal Arsenal a familiar Eddie Nketiah transfer twist

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Arsenal still have plenty of transfer business to deal with in the final 10 days of the window, and Eddie Nketiah now looks set to depart.

The striker has been linked with several clubs this summer after falling down the pecking order, but Arsenal rejected several bids from Marseille before a deal fell through.

Other clubs have registered interest in the 25-year-old, whose future appears away from the Emirates as he was keen on the proposed move to Marseille.

Nottingham Forest have now seen a bid rejected for Nketiah, but talks are ongoing as Arsenal are willing to sanction a deal if they meet his asking price.

However, Edu Gaspar must be wary of this deal also collapsing, given that Nketiah is not the only striker Forest are targeting.

• READ MORE: Every player linked to and from Arsenal in the summer 2024 transfer window

Nottingham Forest targeting Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah or Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Nketiah is one of two strikers Forest are targeting, but they will only sign one. Either the Arsenal attacker, or Feyenoord and Mexico star Santiago Gimenez will be moving to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

“Nottingham Forest have sent bids for both Santiago Giménez and Eddie Nketiah, initial proposals rejected. Nottingham Forest will end up signing only one striker but talks continue on both sides to make decision soon,” he posted on X.

Gimenez enjoyed a stunning campaign with Feyenoord last season, as the 23-year-old scored 26 goals and provided eight assists in 41 games across all competitions.

The Mexican could reportedly cost £30m, and Gimenez was also eyed up by Mikel Arteta in previous windows, although Arsenal were quoted a price tag of £87m.

Arsenal must be wary of Nottingham Forest interest in Santi Gimenez

Arsenal did well to stand firm on Nketiah’s asking price when Marseille sent in low-ball bids, and Forest’s offer for the Englishman is a lot closer to their valuation of over £30m.

Talks will continue, and Arsenal are likely to hold out for his full value, but they must be wary that if they are too stubborn over Nketiah, Forest could sign Gimenez instead, and the deal could again collapse.

Arsenal have scouted Gimenez before, but it seems that a centre-forward of his profile is no longer being targeted, with Kai Havertz set to lead the line this season.