Crystal Palace have reportedly seen an initial approach for Eddie Nketiah rejected by Arsenal.
The Eagles are expected to move for a new centre-forward during the January transfer window and have allegedly identified Nketiah as a leading target.
According to the Daily Mail, Palace recently approached Arsenal to discuss the possibility of signing the Englishman during the winter market.
The report claims that the Gunners rejected the enquiry, with the North London outfit insisting that the forward will not be allowed to leave in the middle of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, Palace are thought to have been given encouragement that the situation could change if Arsenal are able to bring in a striker to boost their title charge.
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Nketiah has been with Arsenal since 2015, making his first-team debut for the Gunners towards the end of 2017 in the Europa League.
The forward has represented his current side on 156 occasions in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and registering nine assists, including 19 goals and seven assists in 107 Premier League outings.
Nketiah has been a regular for Mikel Arteta's side this season, meanwhile, featuring on 25 occasions, scoring six goals and registering four assists.
However, the forward has not managed to score in England's top flight since hitting a hat-trick against Sheffield United at the end of October.
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Nketiah was introduced for the final 26 minutes of Arsenal's Premier League clash with West Ham United on Thursday but was unable to prevent his side from suffering a 2-0 defeat.
Gabriel Jesus has only managed three Premier League goals this season, meanwhile, and the club's need for a new striker was again on full display in the two-goal reverse to West Ham.
Brentford's Ivan Toney is thought to be their main target, but the England international is expected to remain with the Bees until next summer.
As a result, Arsenal will seemingly have to look elsewhere for a new striker, but the winter window is a difficult market to navigate due to the lack of suitable options available.
Arteta's side will be aiming to bounce back from their surprise home loss to West Ham when they continue their Premier League campaign away to Fulham on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Law
