Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has reportedly seen his proposed move to Marseille thrown into doubt.
Marseille have been active in the transfer market as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their first campaign under former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi.
They kicked off their transfer business with the additions of Ismael Kone, Bamo Meite and Lilian Brassier, before they signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United for a reported £27m fee.
Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg then became Marseille’s latest summer addition, joining on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur with an obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Marseille are keen to make further signings, with a new striker believed to be near the top of their wishlist following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Marseille struggling to agree Nketiah fee
The experienced forward left the Ligue 1 club after just one season to complete a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Qadsiah.
Marseille have seemingly turned to Aubameyang’s former club to find his replacement, having identified Nketiah as a potential transfer target.
However, according to journalist Jonathan Johnson, Marseille have found negotiations to be more ‘complicated’ than they expected.
The report claims that the French side are some way off Arsenal’s valuation for Nketiah, raising doubt about whether a deal can be agreed between the two sides.
The Gunners are said to be open to selling their academy product, especially as his departure would help them stay out of any trouble in regards to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Why are Arsenal prepared to sell Nketiah?
Nketiah began the 2023-24 campaign as Mikel Arteta‘s first-choice striker, starting seven of the opening eight Premier League fixtures.
However, he soon dropped below Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the pecking, leaving him to settle for 10 starts in 27 top-flight appearances.
The 25-year-old was also an unused substitute for Arsenal’s final six Premier League matches, indicating that he is not a major part of Arteta’s plans.
If Nketiah were to stay, he would continue to find playing time hard to come by, with Arsenal keen to keep Jesus and add a new striker to their squad.
