Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is on the verge of joining Marseille, having agreed to personal terms with the French club.
The Hale End Academy graduate faced a challenging season under Mikel Arteta, falling down the pecking order and barely featuring in the Premier League run-in.
With Kai Havertz thriving in the central striking role, Nketiah found his opportunities limited and concluded the season with just six goals, three of which came in a single game against Sheffield United.
Despite his recent struggles, the 25-year-old has garnered interest from several clubs. Crystal Palace has long admired Nketiah, with speculation of a potential swap deal involving England Euro 2024 star Marc Guehi.
However, Marseille have emerged as the front-runners, with new manager Roberto De Zerbi eager to bolster his attacking options. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, is set to oversee a significant overhaul of the Marseille squad, having already facilitated the departure of former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
However, Marseille have emerged as the front-runners, with new manager Roberto De Zerbi eager to bolster his attacking options. De Zerbi, who previously managed Brighton, is set to oversee a significant overhaul of the Marseille squad, having already facilitated the departure of former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.
Marseille have also confirmed the controversial signing of Mason Greenwood from Manchester United. The Ligue 1 club is keen to secure Nketiah on a season-long loan with an option to buy, a move that aligns with their current financial strategy.
Arsenal, initially hoping for a £20 million fee for Nketiah, may need to adjust their expectations, as the Gunners have already invested £27 million in permanently signing David Raya from Brentford and are set to spend £50 million on Bologna’s Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori.
Arteta is under pressure to sell more first-team players to facilitate further signings, but Arsenal might have to wait another year before receiving any cash for Nketiah.
