Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan was left stunned amid reports that Arsenal want £50million for Eddie Nketiah this summer.
The striker faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium after being restricted to regular game time last season. He made just 10 Premier League starts despite being Arsenal’s first-choice No.9 at the start of the season.
With Mikel Arteta keen to sign a striker this transfer window, Arsenal are thought to be willing to sell Nketiah if they bring in their own No.9. With the likes of West Ham, Everton and Southampton looking to bolster their striker options, a £50m fee might be a bit too much for some clubs along with his wages, which are thought to be in the excess of £100,000-a-week.
The talkSPORT pundit Jordan was left shocked with the valuation for the Arsenal academy product. “Ultimately, if you want to get £40million, you’re better off asking for £50million,” he said on the show.
But is he worth £50million? Pfft, you’ve got to be joking, haven’t you? There’s one thing paying for old rope, but this is… You’re stretching a bit far.
“He’s not a £50m footballer, I mean, he’s lucky to be a £30m footballer and on £100,000-a-week!”
Co-host Jim White then used Jack Grealish as an example after Manchester City paid £100m for his services and asked if that was worth it. Jordan replied: “No, no, he’s not. But he is because Aston Villa were clever enough to put a release clause in there, and Man City have got more money than God.
He goes to play in an elite side and I think comparing Grealish to Eddie Nketiah is probably a false paradise because do we question the validity of Pep Guardiola’s thinking? We’ve got a unique manager who has produced a unique side that’s dominating English football, he thinks Jack Grealish is worth the money.
“Whereas I think most objective observers, perhaps except Eddie Nketiah’s family themselves, would suggest that he’s not worth £50m.”
In order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), Arsenal must sell players to balance their books. Selling home grown talent is one of the most effective ways to do this as it represents pure profit.
