Journalist says Arsenal have rejected side’s bid for ‘extraordinary’ player

Dharmesh Sheth has told Sky Sports’ Transfer Show that he has been told by one source today that Arsenal have rejected a bid from Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah.

Nketiah is still on course to leave the Emirates at some stage in the next few months. As noted by Sky Sports, his contract expires in the summer. And he has rejected the chance to sign fresh terms with the Gunners.

He has had a few chances with Mikel Arteta’s side this season, particularly in the Carabao Cup. And with no new striker coming in so far this month, he may have his sights set on more opportunities before the campaign concludes.

Sheth has suggested that Borussia Monchengladbach are keen to sign the 22-year-old on a pre-contract deal. And Arteta has previously insisted that Nketiah would not be leaving Arsenal this month. He has also labelled the striker ‘extraordinary‘ in the past.

But that has not prevented one of the Gunners’ Premier League rivals making their move this month. Sheth claimed that he has heard that Patrick Vieira has now confirmed his interest in Nketiah.

“One source told us today that Crystal Palace have had a bid rejected for Nketiah,” he told Sky Sports.

“Palace have been long-term admirers of Nketiah and tried to sign him before. As for Arsenal, they and Mikel Arteta have made it clear in various news conferences that they want Nketiah to stay.”

Arsenal rejecting Nketiah bid may provide concerning hint about likelihood of Gunners making striker signing before deadline

Arsenal may still have hope of convincing Nketiah to stay. Otherwise, it is a surprise that they have rejected a bid for the striker from Palace.

Obviously, much may have depended on what the Eagles put on the table. But Arsenal fans may be concerned about what rejecting the bid for Nketiah may mean for the final days of the window.

The Gunners have not scored in their last four. And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks to still be out of the fold. So signing a striker would be a big boost for Arsenal.

Holding onto Nketiah however, would perhaps hint that no new forward is likely to come in.