Crystal Palace 'open talks with Arsenal over Eddie Nketiah deal'

Crystal Palace have reportedly begun talks with Arsenal over a deal for striker Eddie Nketiah.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in six months' time and has so far rebuffed the Gunners' attempts to tie him down for longer.

Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to keep Nketiah on the books at the Emirates, but the Englishman is widely expected to seek pastures new in the summer of 2022.

Crystal Palace have been strongly linked with a move for Nketiah, and The Times now reports that Patrick Vieira's side have started negotiations with Arsenal over a transfer.

The report adds that Nketiah has also attracted interest from Germany amid links with Bayer Leverkusen, and Palace saw a £12m bid for the Arsenal academy product rejected last year.

Nketiah has five goals from three EFL Cup appearances this season, but he has only made three substitute appearances in the 2021-22 Premier League.