Crystal Palace need to add more attacking firepower to their squad, and a player they previously targeted could be the ideal addition in the January transfer window.
Reports have indicated that Jean-Philippe Mateta is open to an exit, which will mean that Palace need to add another centre-forward to the squad, and Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has now emerged as a target again.
Palace bid for the 24-year-old in January 2022, with Steve Parish then keen to add the out-of-favour striker, but he has since become a more important part of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Crystal Palace resurrect interest in Eddie Nketiah
A report from FootballTransfers has now revealed that Palace are interested in Nketiah, and Arsenal could be open to offers for him as they potentially move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney to boost their title hopes.
Nketiah has started 53% of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season as he has proven to be a useful backup to Gabriel Jesus, and is actually Arsenal’s top scorer in the competition in the campaign so far, with five strikes in nine starts, whilst also registering three assists.
The report has revealed that Palace are keen on him to add more goals, whilst Arsenal will need to sell to buy if they are to add an attacker in January. This will likely mean that Nketiah comes with a fairly significant price tag.
Would Eddie Nketiah be a good signing for Crystal Palace?
If Palace are able to sign Arsenal’s top scorer, who was called up to the England squad at the start of the season, in the January window, it would be a fantastic deal for the club.
Nketiah has been very useful for Arteta, and can also play out wide if needed. He is strong in the box and has a good work rate, and would add speed and quality attacking movement to the front line.
The question mark remains over his potential price tag. Nketiah is on a wage of £100k per week, and given that Arsenal will only sell him to fund a big move themselves, they will likely hold out for a significant fee.
Palace are reportedly considering loan deals in the January window, and may not be able to finance a move for Nketiah. If the striker is willing to come, and a deal can be reached, then bringing him in would be a no-brainer.
