Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has reportedly emerged as a potential January transfer target for Crystal Palace.
Earlier in his Arsenal career, Nketiah was convinced to pen fresh terms by Mikel Arteta in order to provide competition for Gabriel Jesus.
The injury issues sustained by the Brazil international has arguably led to more game time than Nketiah may have expected, providing him with a chance to prove himself.
However, from 12 starts and 11 substitute outings in all competitions in 2023-24, Nketiah has scored just six goals this season, three of which came in the same fixture against Sheffield United.
To his credit, the 24-year-old has just enjoyed a productive week in a Gunners shirt, netting against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League and providing an assist during a win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
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Nevertheless, there have been suggestions that Nketiah may be allowed to depart the Emirates Stadium, partly to help strengthen Arsenal's FFP position.
Whether that materialises remains to be seen, with Arsenal first needing to generate their desired transfer fee if they are to find an adequate replacement.
According to FootballTransfers, Palace have already expressed a desire about signing the recent England call-up in January.
The Eagles are enduring a mixed campaign under Roy Hodgson, scoring just 17 goals in as many Premier League fixtures to possess the joint-third worst return in the division.
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That is despite Palace recently only succumbing 2-1 to Liverpool and earning an impressive 2-2 comeback draw at Manchester City on Saturday.
Only Odsonne Edouard has netted more than twice in the Premier League this campaign - scoring six - although Palace have been hindered by injury issues to playmakers Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise.
The report adds that Arsenal are prepared to cash in on Nketiah, effectively ruling out the possibility of a straight loan for their fellow London side.
With Nketiah having a contract until 2027 and being used on 23 occasions this season, it is plausible that the frontman may choose to fight for his place over making the short switch to Selhurst Park.
Darren Plant
