Arsenal: 5 transfer moves that could happen before deadline

4. Eddie Nketiah

Contract expiry: 2022
Interested clubs: Crystal Palace, Brighton, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayer Leverkusen

With one striker who can barely last 70 minutes and another who hasn’t kicked a ball at the club since the beginning of December, the chances of Eddie Nketiah leaving in January have been slimmed.

Allowing Balogun to leave left Arsenal with three options – one who has been ousted – and that has made Nketiah the backup striker to Lacazette.

Patrick Vieira was asked about Crystal Palace’s interest in Nketiah and appeared to suggest that Arsenal had told his side the striker is not for sale, which would near enough nip this one in the bud. However, from Nketiah’s point of view, he will not want another six months of training sessions. He want to play. Of course he does.

While he can negotiate a more financially enticing deal when he’s out of contract, should Arsenal bring in another striker it may be that he pushes for a move away that could tempt the Gunners to cash in while they still can.

As it stands, it looks like he’s here to stay, although movement elsewhere could change that, just as Martinelli could be fielded as a centre-forward if needs be.

Estimated departure likelihood: 3/10

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