Arsenal have kick-started their summer transfer window by signing the talented Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna last week and look set to make more improvements to the squad. The Gunners look set to pip Barcelona to Mikel Merino’s signature.
One other player that they have been linked with this transfer window is Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners currently have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah as their two number-nine options and could do with an upgrade. Although Jesus’ work rate is exceptional and Nketiah has performed in patches, Mikel Arteta needs a more consistent goalscorer up top.
Eddie Nketiah could be sacrificed as Arsenal look to land Gyokeres
If Arsenal want to bring in Gyokeres or any other number nine for that matter, they will have to make room in the squad and it looks like they are willing to offer a sacrificial lamb in Nketiah. Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille are interested in signing the 25-year-old English. Currently managed by ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi, OM have been quite active in the transfer window.
The French club have already wrapped up the signings of ex-Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and controversial English star Mason Greenwood. According to L’Équipe, OM are now ‘accelerating‘ their offer to sign Nketiah and have sent a loan proposal with a mandatory 20m euros purchase option to the Gunners.
🚨🚨- OM are accelerating their efforts to sign Nketiah
– They are aware that their interest is being noticed by other PL clubs who might want the player
– Reports that Arsenal want 50m euros are not true
– OM have sent loan with mandatory purchase for about 20m euros
— Doc (@karthikadhaigal) August 2, 2024
The report adds that Arsenal are yet to respond to this asking price but there is a general feeling of optimism around the French club that a deal can be done for the English striker this summer. The player has already given the greenlight.
Best decision for all parties?
Even if Nketiah was to leave, Arsenal would still have Kai Havertz and Jesus who can play as the striker in Arteta’s 4-3-3 system. Even without signing a replacement, they might be sorted but it would be better for the North London club to look for an upgrade.
Neither of the two players mentioned above are natural goalscorers. If Arsenal want to compete with the likes of Man City who have Erling Haaland up top, they need a 25-goals-per-season striker. Gyokeres might be the perfect option.
Meanwhile, OM would be getting a coup if they sign Nketiah this summer. For the player himself, playing under an attack-minded manager like Roberto de Zerbi could help bring the best out of him. At his age, what he needs is regular game time as a starter which is close to impossible as a starter.
All things considered, this move is a win-win-win for all parties involved. Let’s hope this deal goes through soon and Arsenal turn their attentions to a new number nine.
