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Arsenal set new asking price for Eddie Nketiah amid talks, Marseille are concerned about one thing

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Arsenal and Marseille are in talks over a deal for Eddie Nketiah, but the two clubs are still far apart in their valuations of him.

Nketiah has agreed personal terms with Marseille as the Arsenal striker is keen on a move to the Ligue 1 side, where he will play under former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

However, Marseille have not come close to offering what Arsenal want for the Hale End graduate. Arsenal value Nketiah higher than they did Folarin Balogun, who moved to Monaco for an initial £26m plus addons last year.

Marseille initially wanted a loan deal with an offer to buy, whilst Arsenal were happy to accept an obligation, but the French side have now offered £17m, which Arsenal deem unacceptable for the 25-year-old.

With talks ongoing, Arsenal have now set their new asking price for Nketiah, but Marseille are worried about the move potentially falling through.

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Arsenal set £30m asking price for Eddie Nketiah amid Marseille talks

It has now been reported by The Mail that Arsenal now want £30m for Nketiah, after reports in recent days indicated that they wanted close to £42m as a total package.

This is still substantially higher than Marseille’s upfront offer of £17m, but this may be more affordable for the Ligue 1 side as an overall package, and talks are continuing as they both try to reach an agreement.

L’Equipe have now reported that Marseille are concerned that as talks go on, Premier League sides may come in to rival them for Nketiah. Brentford could be in the mix, given that summer signing Igor Thiago has now been ruled out with a long-term injury.

Could Premier League clubs rival Marseille for Eddie Nketiah?

Arsenal would love nothing more than for Premier League sides to enter the bidding for Nketiah, which could see his price tag rise again, but they face a problem.

Nketiah appears more keen on a move to Marseille, and has agreed on a contract with them. This means that he could be ready to reject moves from other interested parties to seal his move to France.

Arsenal will likely stand firm on their £30m asking price for Nketiah, but if Marseille cannot afford this, they may have to compromise on addons as an overall package rather than an upfront fee.