Marseille now close to agreement for Arsenal ace Eddie Nketiah, but they face significant problem

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Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah looks set to depart the club this summer, and is in talks with French side Olympique Marseille.

Nketiah started last season superbly, earning a call-up to the England squad, but since fell down the pecking order at Arsenal, and failed to start a single game in 2024.

The 25-year-old appears ready to move in favour of finding first-team football and is keen on a move to Marseille.

The French giants suffered a disappointing season as they failed to qualify for European competition, but are investing heavily in their team to try and improve next season.

They have identified Nketiah as a key target, and are engaged in talks with Arsenal over what could end up being a loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Marseille in talks with Arsenal over Eddie Nketiah

French outlet La Provence have now revealed that Marseille are close to agreeing personal terms with Nketiah over a move.

The striker wore the captain’s armband in Arsenal’s pre-season draw with Bournemouth to open their USA tour, but if a deal accelerates, he may be allowed to depart the tour to finalise a move.

However, despite Nketiah’s eagerness to join Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille, there remains a problem as Arsenal and Marseille are still some way off an agreement.

Arsenal may not let Eddie Nketiah join Marseille

Arsenal and Marseille are well apart in their valuations of Nketiah, with the Gunners wanting an obligation to buy rather than an option, and it was previously reported that they value him higher than Folarin Balogun, who moved to Monaco last year.

Marseille want Nketiah to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who recently moved to the Saudi Pro League, but it also appears that Arsenal are not eager to ship Nketiah out.

The report from La Provence has also claimed that Marseille do not believe that Arsenal are “committed” to letting Nketiah leave.

Now is the best time to let Nketiah leave given his value and his lack of minutes, but there is little reason for them to accept a deal well below his valuation.