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Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is reportedly Crystal Palace’s top target this summer as Patrick Vieira plans to turn to his former club to strengthen his attack…
THE LOWDOWN: OUT OF CONTRACT
The Arsenal academy product is out of contract at the Emirates in June, and looks set to call time on his seven-year stay at the club.
He is free to talk to clubs about a transfer this summer with talks of a new deal at the north London outfit said to be still on the table for the forward if he wants it.
Since signing a five-year contract with Arsenal at 18 years old, Nketiah has made just 88 appearances across all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
The 22-year-old recently expressed his frustration at a lack of game time at the club and has stressed his need to further his development as a player. And now a move across London could be on the cards for the forward.
THE LATEST: TOP TARGET
According to The Sun, the striker is a top target for Crystal Palace with the striker set to leave the Emirates this summer.
Palace manager Patrick Vieira has been watching developments closely and will make another move for the England U21 international after failing with a £10million inquiry last summer.
The report goes on to state that there is also competition from Germany for his signature and the Gunners’ academy graduate hopes to secure a move to a Champions League club after impressing in recent weeks.
The south Londoners are keen to move Christian Benteke on this summer, which could make room for Nketiah in the squad.
THE VERDICT: LET HIM GO
Despite impressing in recent weeks, scoring twice in his last four starts, it’s no secret of Mikel Arteta’s desire for a new striker in the summer, which means the 17-time England U21 international may still not get the game time he craves if he is to stay on next season.
Described as a “goal machine” by Michael Owen, his scoring efforts can be seen from his time with the England U21 side, in which he scored 16 goals in 17 games on the international stage.
So far, he has faltered in regularly bringing that goal-scoring touch to Premier League football but has shown signs of shining with his exceptional return of five goals in five games in the Carabao Cup this season.
It’s clear the player needs a club where he can be the main man and Nketiah could not only develop his game with regular minutes at Selhurst Park, but also become the goalscoring striker he’d always been primed to be.
If that is the case, the north London outfit will be inclined to let the player go in order to further his development and get the opportunities he deserves elsewhere.
AND in other news, £4.5m-rated Arsenal loanee rediscovering form after tough season – opinion
