REPORT: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are now willing to offer cash plus player to West Ham as they hope to ‘beat’ Pep Guardiola in the pursuit of Declan Rice- Negotiation look to ‘advance’ between the two clubs
Arsenal are now willing to sell West Ham target Eddie Nketiah and have named their price amid continued Declan Rice talks.
That’s according to new reports emerging out of Arsenal following the signing of Kai Havertz as negotiations between West Ham and the Gunners continue for Declan Rice.
As reported over the weekend, a source close to West Ham majority stakeholder David Sullivan revealed Rice is insisting on joining Arsenal despite genuine interest from Manchester City.
Arsenal have already seen two bids rejected for Rice. And speculation has been rife over the possibility of certain players being included in the deal to make the switch to West Ham.
Emile Smith Rowe, Folarin Baolgun and Eddie Nketiah are the three Arsenal players mentioned as possible makeweights in a deal with the Hammers.
Report: Arsenal now willing to sell West Ham target Eddie Nketiah and name their price amid continued Declan Rice talks
But Smith Rowe has been given assurances by Mikel Arteta he is part of his plans, seemingly ruling out any chance of that particular swap.
With the futures of both Michail Antonio and Gianluca Scamacca in doubt, West Ham are being linked with a host of strikers including Nketiah, Balogun, Viktor Gyokeres, Armando Broja and Jonathan David.
Nketiah was heavily linked with a move to West Ham last summer and is said to be a player David Moyes likes.
His Arsenal future was already uncertain before the £65m signing of Havertz from Chelsea. So his chances of game time at the Emirates look even more bleak.
New reports double down on West Ham interest claims
A new report claims Arsenal are now willing to sell West Ham target Nketiah and name their price amid continued Rice talks.
According to Now Arsenal and Just Arsenal, the Gunners are willing to sell the striker for around £30m.
“Arsenal are willing to listen to offers for Eddie Nketiah this summer, but will only sell the striker if their valuation is met,” Now Arsenal states.
“It’s believed the club value the player between £30m-£40m. West Ham, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all interested in the Arsenal striker.”
If Moyes wants Nketiah, Gunners will surely include him in next Rice bid
“Although the three Premier League clubs interested in Nketiah have not been named, West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Brighton have shown previous interest in the young striker,” Just Arsenal reports.
“Nketiah’s situation is further complicated by the Gunners also facing a decision regarding the future of Folarin Balogun, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Reims last season.
“Arsenal values Balogun at approximately £40 million, and the 21-year-old has made it clear that he will only return to the club if he is guaranteed regular first-team football. Arsenal cannot afford to lose both, so they must decide which player can help their needs the most.”
If Moyes genuinely is still interested in Nketiah then Arsenal will surely try to use that to their advantage by including the 22-year-old in their next offer for Rice.
Watch this space.
