Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar handed major Eddie Nketiah transfer exit boost as striker plan emerges

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Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah looks set to depart the club, with new interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest emerging.

Forest had a bid rejected for Nketiah, but talks are still ongoing as Arsenal are open to a sale if his asking price is met.

Arsenal rejected offers for Nketiah from French side Marseille as they deemed the bids too low, but Forest’s opening bid of around £25m including add-ons was much closer to the club’s valuation.

Edu Gaspar was criticised by some for letting the Marseille deal collapse, but if Nketiah does move to Forest for a higher fee, he will deserve enormous credit.

One problem Arsenal face is that Forest also want Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, and will only sign one of the Mexican or Nketiah. However, they have now been handed a boost in this regard.

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Nottingham Forest target Santiago Gimenez wants to stay at Feyenoord

If Forest do sign Gimenez, they will not sign Nketiah, and both players could be available for a similar price.

However, it has now been reported by Dutch outlet VI that Gimenez wants to remain at Feyenoord for another season, meaning that a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s team is now unlikely.

This in theory, would make Nketiah the more likely option for Forest, with the striker open to a move away from Arsenal in search of first-team football.

Edu has therefore been handed a boost, as negotiations over a transfer for Nketiah could now be back in Arsenal’s favour if Forest are limited in their alternative options.

Why Eddie Nketiah sale is a positive move for Arsenal

Nketiah is by no means a bad footballer, and has stepped up on several occasions for Arsenal in the past. The striker is a player admired by Mikel Arteta, and is one of the most successful graduates from the Hale End Academy.

However, Nketiah fell down the pecking order in recent months, and is now behind Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard as a centre-forward.

Interest in Nketiah remains high, and his value is still high given his age and ability. However, if he stays at Arsenal and spends a year out of the squad, this value will drop.

Arsenal therefore do need to sell Nketiah this summer unless they plan to use him more, and if they can earn a significant fee for him, it will give them a major boost in terms of profit and sustainability rules.