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Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah valuation raises issue of balance

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Joe Willock of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Eddie Nketiah after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 29: Joe Willock of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Eddie Nketiah after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal transfer valuation of Eddie Nketiah raises issue of balance as Watford eye £15m deal. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

Arsenal have set a high asking price for Eddie Nketiah this summer transfer window as they look to raise as much finance and humanly possible to embark on an unprecedented squad overhaul.

It’s telling of the club’s needs this summer that the vast majority of transfer speculation surrounding north London is that of sales. Heavily documented is that raising money through outgoings is the priority before facilitating signings, so as to get an understanding of how much money they have to work with.

Only a few names have been concretely linked with a move to Arsenal so far, including Emi Buendia/Martin Odegaard, Yves Bissouma, Edmond Tapsoba/Jules Kounde and some minor talk of a right-back, all of which will be heightened once the first departures are sanctioned.

Almost certain to leave in the coming weeks is Eddie Nketiah, someone who’s sale will be used to push for some of the above targets.

Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah valuation raises issue of balance as Watford eye £15m deal

Who much is he worth, though?

Starting the season in and around the first team, whether in the Premier League or Europa League group stages, the second half of the campaign has been mostly a waste for the striker. He was kept on January only to barely feature from thereon in, opening the door to a move.

Being 21 years of age, homegrown, top-flight tested and a record breaker on the international stage will help boost his value, although six months of fleeting usage, a longer period of ineffective league outings and 12 months left on his deal have worked in the other direction.

As per the Mirror, Arsenal will look to accrue around £15m for his services which if balanced out in regards to the current market and clubs’ suffering finances, would be an excellent deal. Watford are snooping around and there is also mention of Brighton being interested which could open the door for a welcome player plus cash bid for Bissouma.

Putting everything into account, £15m is fair price. Arsenal aren’t in a position to be haggling for more but they also shouldn’t be willingly accepting less.

What this valuation does make you wonder is whether or not their overall estimations for players is unbalanced. Based on another Hale End graduate, there are some question marks.

Continued…

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