Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille look determined to acquire Eddie Nketiah and have now placed an improved offer to Arsenal.
Marseille Place New Bid for Eddie Nketiah
Nketiah Eager to Join Marseille
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Marseille have ramped up their efforts to sign Arsenal’s Nketiah by presenting an improved offer.
Marseille’s new offer is valued at £16.8 million. Though similar in value to the previous proposal, this is closer to the payment structure that Arsenal want for Nketiah. The Gunners are still expected to knock down the offer as it doesn’t match the price tag placed on the striker.
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Journalist Santi Aouna had reported a few days back of Marseille’s initial bid for Nketiah. The offer was deemed insufficient, forcing the French club to return with a new bid.
Nketiah has so far racked up 168 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal and has found the back of the net 38 times. He also won the FA Cup in 2020 and his performances have drawn comparisons to club legend Thierry Henry.
Personal Terms Agreed With Nketiah
Marseille have already agreed on a five-year contract with Nketiah, who was attracted by the sporting project at the club and is keen to join them. If the clubs can reach an agreement, the Englishman will become the next major Arsenal exit after Emile Smith Rowe.
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New manager Roberto De Zerbi wanted to add more potency to his forward line. Consequently, Marseille signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United and now hope to strike a deal for Nketiah.
Joining Marseille would help Nketiah get more minutes on the pitch. Kai Havertz’s late-season form saw him relegated to a place on the Arsenal bench, but the 25-year-old has always shone when given the chance and will hope to establish himself as the first-choice striker at Stade Velodrome if the move materializes.