How Eddie Nketiah could be Arteta’s secret weapon in Arsenal bid to sign ‘monster’ £70m target

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Arsenal are now considering using Eddie Nketiah in a swap deal to help land one summer transfer target. 

It is hard to imagine Eddie Nketiah being a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s plans. 

The striker began last season as a regular starter for Arsenal, whilst Gabriel Jesus worked his way back from injury, and Arteta persisted with his experimental deployment of Kai Havertz in the midfield unit.

Early on in the campaign, the 25-year-old chipped in with a couple of important goals, and even earned his senior international debut for England. However, his game time with the Gunners gradually dried up and after Christmas the Hale End academy graduate made just ten Premier League appearances, only one of which came as a start, without scoring a goal. 

Nketiah undoubtedly has talent. He offers intelligent movement in the penalty area, works hard, and can be a clinical finisher. However, with the Gunners now competing for major honours, Arteta’s side looks to have evolved to a level beyond the forward.

At this stage in his career, Nketiah needs to be playing regular football, and he won’t get the game time he needs if he remains with the Gunners. Nketiah has been heavily linked with a move to Marseille, but Arsenal seem to have an alternative plan for the attacker this summer. 

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

How Eddie Nketiah could be the key to Arsenal signing Marc Guehi

Arsenal are known to hold an interest in signing Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace centre-back starred for England at Euro 2024 this summer, and is certainly the kind of defender who would flourish in Arteta’s system, as he is impressive on the ball, boasts real pace, and is physically dominant in his duels. Guehi has been described as a “monster in defence” in the past.

However, the Eagles are understandably reluctant to let the 24-year-old go. Crystal Palace have put a £70 million price tag on Guehi, which was thought to have put the Gunners off pursuing his signature.

However, Arsenal have now concocted another plan for signing the defender. As reported by The Express, the Gunners are now planning to offer Crystal Palace Nketiah as part of a swap deal for Guehi. Arsenal will include the striker in a cash-plus-player deal.

Crystal Palace have been keen to sign Nketiah before, so his inclusion in a deal may soften their stance on parting with Guehi.