Crystal Palace is currently looking for a new striker, but rumors claim they are hesitant to pay Arsenal’s £40 million asking price for Eddie Nketiah, according to Alex Crook of Give Me Sport.
Despite their immediate need for a center-forward and intense interest in Nketiah, negotiations appear to have stalled due to Arsenal’s high transfer fee.
The search for a striker at Crystal Palace has been underway since last summer, with a special emphasis on strengthening the center-forward position due to current players’ poor performances in that capacity.
Arsenal is apparently willing to trade Nketiah if their asking price is fulfilled and they find a suitable replacement, although they may have turned down an initial offer from Crystal Palace.
Despite the London club’s confidence about acquiring the England international, doubts remain about their willingness to pay the £40 million valuation, particularly given Nketiah’s high salaries and Crystal Palace’s reluctance to commit to such a large cost.
Alex Crook has highlighted the financial issues at play, citing Nketiah’s high earnings and Crystal Palace’s reluctance to pay such a large sum.
He also cited Arsenal’s tough attitude in rejecting various offers during the summer transfer window, indicating their reluctance to part ways with Nketiah without finding a suitable replacement.
While Crystal Palace appears to be the most ardent suitor, Crook stated that several other Premier League clubs are also interested in Nketiah.
However, the general consensus is that Nketiah is more likely to stay at Arsenal during this transfer window than to seek a move elsewhere.
The spotlight has shifted to Arsenal’s urgent need for a new striker, as Financial Fair Play (FFP) laws limit their capacity to make significant expenditures.
The Gunners must sell Nketiah before signing a successor, but the prospects of realizing the £40 million asking price appear limited, especially given Crystal Palace’s refusal to match the valuation.
As the transfer saga continues, both teams will have the opportunity to review their positions as the window proceeds.
While Crystal Palace may reconsider negotiations with a revised offer, Arsenal faces the issue of reconciling budgetary restraints with the need to bolster their attacking alternatives.