Crystal Palace has earmarked Arsenal’s Hale End graduate Eddie Nketiah as their top of the list striking target for this summer. The 22-year-old forward’s contract is set to expire next month, leaving Arsenal with little or no option but to let go of their academy product.
Nketiah had previously attracted several suitors after breaking through from the academy but the club’s confidence in his ability had hindered any permanent move away from the Emirates rather, the U-21 record-breaking forward was sent on loan to Leeds United, to be under the tutelage of legendary manager Marcelo Bielsa.
His return to the Emirates was expected to have culminated with a renewal of the contract alongside a more prominent role in Mikel Artera’s structure but that hasn’t been the case, unfortunately.
Palace’s recent interest in Nketiah has come after the talented forward was consecutively named in Arteta’s starting lineup, which has been his first-ever EPL and professional experience since making his way into the club’s first team.
Eddie replaced the club’s captain Alexander Lacazette for the match against Chelsea in April, scoring two goals and winning the man of the match award. His performance against his London rival highlighted the qualities he possessed coupled with an obvious maturity and improvement in his game. His pressing, positioning, knowledge of spaces behind the defender, link up, and movement around the box were all showcased on his first EPL start of the season.
His execution against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham has aroused the call for an extension of his dwindling contract despite turning down the club’s advances as he prioritizes playing time.
The Daily Mail asserts that Nketiah’s recent involvement in the starting lineup is likely to be a strategy to convince him to extend his contract as it has been disclosed that the club is willing to extend his stay at the club.
Several clubs have registered an interest in Nketiah, especially from Germany, making it more difficult for Crystal Palace to sign him on a free (especially if Champions League qualification is put into consideration).
Crystal Palace will look to make a significant push for his signing though, viewing the club’s need to strengthen their attack.
Nketiah might not have had enough top-flight minutes thus far but he’ll surely bring something special to the Palace attack, and undoubtedly get more minutes in the first eleven than Ayew, Benteke, and Mateta. The latter has found the back of the net four times in 19 Premier League appearances.
