Watford join queue for Arsenal striker but work to do on deal
Premier League new boys Watford are reportedly interested in a summer move for young Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah but face stiff competition for his signature.
The Hornets have made an immediate return to the top flight after finishing second in the Championship. Norwich claimed the second-tier spoils and the duo will join play-off winners Brentford in England’s top division next season. All three clubs know they will need to strengthen to compete with the big boys.
And, with that in mind, it would be no surprise to see them get their business done early in the transfer window. Watford are looking for a new forward and Nketiah is the man that manager Xisco wants, according to The Mirror.
Having come up through the Chelsea youth ranks, he switched to Arsenal in 2015 to complete his apprenticeship. The Londoner made his senior debut in September 2017 and has enjoyed 65 outings in all competitions for the Gunners.
However, he is no more than a squad player at the Emirates, with just four starts among 17 league appearances in 2020-2021. Mikel Arteta has tended to use him sparingly from the bench and he scored just two Premier League goals.
The former England Under-21 ace enjoyed more action in Europe, with eight appearance and three goals in the Europa League. But it seems as though his days in north London may be numbered.
Nketiah is entering the final year of his contract and could leave for nothing next summer. Arsenal will not want that to happen and so must act soon to either hand him a new deal or sell him on.
The latter seems more likely and he is not short of suitors.
Nketiah in demand for summer switch
West Ham United are on the lookout for a new striker as they have yet to replace Sebastien Haller. He left for Ajax in January and David Moyes failed to find a like-for-like replacement in the winter window.
He did recruit Jesse Lingard on loan and the rest is history, with the England man returning to top form. But it seems as though he will return to Manchester United for next season.
The Hammers are targeting a genuine striker and were linked with the Arsenal starlet in January. Nothing materialised and it seemed as though the capital outfit wanted around £20m for the former Leeds loan star.
It is thought that a similar amount will be needed to get a deal over the line in the off-season. Brighton could also be involved as reports claim Arsenal want Yves Bissouma.
And it is said that they are prepared to use Nketiah as a makeweight in any deal for the Mali international.
READ MORE: West Ham battling two Prem rivals for LaLiga star with tempting exit clause
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