Arsenal and Crystal Palace have been negotiating a deal for Eddie Nketiah – but there could still be further business between the two London clubs.
In case you missed it, Crystal Palace are close to signing Nketiah in a £30m move from Arsenal after the England international saw his switch to Nottingham Forest collapse.
However, Arsenal could then sign a player from Crystal Palace before the transfer window shuts on Friday 30th August…
Arsenal may sign Sam Johnstone
Charles Watts has now suggested that Arsenal could sign Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace – as the Gunners search for a new goalkeeper.
Aaron Ramsdale is hoping to leave the Emirates Stadium after losing his place under Mikel Arteta to David Raya last season, although the north Londoners are keen to sign a new glovesman before sanctioning the England international’s departure.
As you may have heard, Johnstone himself is keen to leave Crystal Palace after losing the No.1 shirt to Dean Henderson this summer, and the Eagles have accepted the 31-year-old’s decision.
The man from Preston is an option for Arsenal, not just because of his admirable goalkeeping skills, but also due to the fact he represents a homegrown option, which the Gunners are putting plenty of significance on seeing as Ramsdale himself contributes to the homegrown quota required in Premier League squads.
Crystal Palace could negotiate an impressive deal
If Dougie Freedman can sign Nketiah from Arsenal, and also offload Johnstone to the Gunners for the £10m asking price, it could prove to be fine business.
Should Nketiah succeed at Selhurst Park, it would mean we secured ourselves a goalscorer for a net spend of just £20m, while also offloading a wantaway player who earns a significant salary on £43,000-a-week.
In case Arsenal decide against signing Johnstone, the England international should still get his desired move away, with Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Southampton and Wolves all keen – according to The Athletic.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as talks with Arsenal continue.
