Crystal Palace are close to signing Eddie Nketiah – and something else is set to happen at Selhurst Park once the deal is finalised.
In case you missed it, the Eagles agreed a £30m deal with Arsenal for Nketiah after the England international saw his move to Nottingham Forest collapse – due to a disagreement over personal terms.
Now, there has been an update on Eddie Nketiah and Crystal Palace…
Crystal Palace expected to announce Eddie Nketiah on Thursday
A story from the Daily Mail now states that Crystal Palace are set to officially announce Nketiah’s arrival at Selhurst Park today (Thursday 29th August).
The 25-year-old underwent the second phase of his medical on Wednesday, according to Fabrizio Romano, and with no problems being flagged up during these examinations, an announcement is expected to be made imminently.
Interestingly, the Daily Mail add that Odsonne Edouard will then leave Selhurst Park once Nketiah officially becomes a Crystal Palace player.
It is said that Crystal Palace will extend the Frenchman’s contract – which, as things stand, expires at the end of the season – before allowing him to join Ipswich on loan.
The contract extension is designed to ensure Edouard does not walk away as a free agent after the 2024/25 campaign, in case he shines at Portman Road and becomes a valuable asset.
Possible shirt number for the England international
The main question fans typically ask once a new signing is made tends to be what shirt number they will take.
In this case, Nketiah cannot have his favoured No.14 shirt, as it is currently owned by Jean-Philippe Mateta, although a prime number is available.
The Arsenal academy graduate is free to select the No.9 shirt after Jordan Ayew departed for Leicester, and we presume the man from Lewisham will take it, given the fact he previously wore that number for the England U21 side.
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Crystal Palace, as Nketiah should be announced shortly.
