Fabrizio Romano says ‘important’ bid may change Arsenal star’s situation in January

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There has been increased speculation over the future of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah in recent days, as he has been linked with a January exit.

Nketiah has found himself playing an important role this season, as Gabriel Jesus began the campaign injured, and is Arsenal’s joint-top Premier League scorer with five strikes so far.

However, he has come in for some criticism, and has rarely started since Jesus returned. He was recently linked with Crystal Palace and Brentford, but Mikel Arteta is seemingly keen on keeping the player.

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed what Arsenal’s stance over Nketiah is, as the club head into the January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano reveals Arsenal stance over Eddie Nketiah

In his Daily Briefing, Romano claimed that whilst Arsenal are eager to keep hold of the Hale End graduate, a significant offer could change their mind during the winter window.

“There is speculation again about Eddie Nketiah’s future at Arsenal. Interest has always been there from 5-6 Premier League clubs and I’m told also Bundesliga clubs – it’s normal as Eddie is a very good striker,” he stated.

“But Arsenal are still happy with Nketiah, there are currently no concrete or advanced negotiations, I think it could only change with a very important proposal, but at this stage, Arsenal are not desperate to sell Nketiah. At all.”

What price could convince Arsenal to sell Eddie Nketiah?

Arsenal need all the depth they can get as they aim to compete for the Premier League title and Champions League this season, and Nketiah would need replacing if he was to leave.

Given that transfer targets Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres would come with likely price tags of over £60m, with Gyokeres set to cost £86m, it would take a major outlay for Arsenal to try and upgrade on the 24-year-old, in the middle of the season.

Folarin Balogun departed in the summer for an initial fee of around £26m, and given Nketiah’s much higher importance within the squad, Arsenal may end up asking for a fee north of £40m to even consider an offer.

The most likely scenario appears to be Nketiah staying, given that interested parties such as Crystal Palace may not afford such a high fee, but with the striker recently earning praise following a goal and assist in his last two games, he will still be an important option for Arteta if he remains at the Emirates beyond January.