Everton have reportedly entered the race to acquire Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, after AFC Bournemouth passed up the chance to bring the 25-year-old to the South Coast.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees are looking to sign Nketiah on a loan deal for the 2024-25 season.
Olympique Marseille came close to signing Nketiah this summer, but negotiations fell through because Arsenal insisted on accepting offers that met the striker’s transfer market price.
Bournemouth initially investigated Nketiah as a possible replacement for Dominic Solanke, who just joined Tottenham Hotspur. However, the Cherries chose to smash their transfer record by acquiring Brazilian attacker Evanilson, making Nketiah’s future in north London questionable.
With Bournemouth pulling back, Nottingham Forest has emerged as a possible destination for Nketiah, while Crystal Palace is also reportedly interested in the striker.
Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah, who still has three years left on his Arsenal deal, is expected to seek regular first-team action. Despite making 168 appearances for Arsenal and scoring 38 goals, Nketiah has struggled to establish a permanent place in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.
Last season, former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood lauded Nketiah after his hat-trick against Sheffield United, claiming that the striker have the talent to play for major teams such as Manchester United.
Sherwood said that Nketiah is a “upgrade” over United’s Rasmus Højlund and recommended that Arsenal should value their domestic talent.
“I feel sorry for Eddie Nketiah,” Sherwood told Sky Sports. “People, particularly Arsenal fans, frequently focus on what he cannot accomplish rather than what he contributes to the club. He can play for a variety of teams, and I believe he is talented enough for Arsenal to compete at the top of the Premier League.”
