Crystal Palace are being considered as a potential option by Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
What’s the story?
That’s according to a report by The Times, who claim that the Eagles, as well as Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, are being considered as potential destinations by the 22-year-old.
The Englishman is set to depart The Emirates this summer upon the expiration of his contract, with the forward still yet to extend his stay with the Gunners, and therefore looks set to be able to join a new club on a free transfer.
Palace had been keen on signing Nketiah during the January transfer window, with Sky Sports reporting that the south London club had multiple bids rejected.
Palace should sign Nketiah
Although his goal tally isn’t seriously impressive, there is certainly plenty of talent and potential in the boots of Nketiah.
Prior to Wednesday evening, the 22-year-old hadn’t found the back of the net in the Premier League, with all five of his goals for the Gunners this term coming in the EFL Cup.
However, the £9m-rated striker sensationally scored twice away at Chelsea as Arsenal got their top-four push back on track with a 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Despite limited game time this term, the Englishman has been subject to praise from manager Mikel Arteta in the past who has previously labelled the forward as “incredible” as well as being “extraordinary at his age.”
Palace have managed to find goals in their team this term, having scored 43 in 32 matches thus far. However, 11 of those have come from winger Wilfried Zaha, who has equalled his best-ever season in front of goal to date.
In terms of strikers, however, Patrick Vieira has chopped and changed with Jean-Philippe Mateta, Odsonne Edouard, Jordan Ayew and Christian Benteke all having spells in the side up front.
Edouard and Mateta have both scored six times in all competitions, whilst Benteke (four) and Ayew (two) have struggled in front of goal.
Should Palace sign Nketiah?
Yes
No
However, Edouard has recently fallen out of favour, starting just one of the Eagles’ last ten matches and hasn’t managed to get off of the bench in five of those, including Palace’s 2-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.
Mateta is currently the favoured option, however, the south London outfit could certainly do with more prolific options in the final third, with Nketiah potentially being that man.
On a free transfer, there is little risk signing the Englishman who, at 22, has bags of potential which could make him a very shrewd acquisition for Vieira’s men.
AND in other news: Contact made: Palace now in talks for “incredible” £15m “priority”, he “fits the bill”