29 December 2023 , 21:24
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Arsenal have reportedly rejected an approach from Crystal Palace to sign striker Eddie Nketiah, with the England international currently not for sale.
Palace are looking to strengthen their forward line in January in a bid to avoid a relegation battle, with Roy Hodgson's side without a win in their last eight Premier League fixtures and just three points off the bottom three.
The Eagles are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old, having been interested in signing him last year when his Arsenal contract was due to expire. Ultimately, Nketiah ended up signing a new deal with the Gunners that runs until 2027.
However, Palace have now revisited their interest in the striker, with the Daily Mail reporting that they have had an initial enquiry knocked back by Arsenal. The report states that they do not want to sell Nketiah as things stand, but things could change during the window.
Arsenal have been linked with moves for several strikers in January, with club legend Thierry Henry stating after their disappointing 2-0 defeat against West Ham on Thursday that they need to be more clinical in front of goal and suggesting in-form Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke could be the solution.
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"At one point, you knew Arsenal are going to get those chances and sometimes you are going to hit the post and get a leg on the line and not finish well," Henry said on Amazon Prime Video. "Gabriel Jesus could have scored two or three, but he didn't.
"Dominic Solanke, the way he is playing at Bournemouth, not only him, the team is doing extremely well, but we have been waiting for him to be that player. I guess it was a bit too much when he was younger, but what he is doing right now is brilliant.
Arsenal have rejected an approach from Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah (Getty Images)"I am happy for him because he did struggle for a little bit. Now he is looking good." However, understands it is unlikely Arsenal will be able to sign a new striker unless they make a major sale due to the league's strict spending rules.
Arsenal forked out big money over the summer to sign Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber and defensive cover is their main priority, with Timber out injured and Takehiro Tomiyasu set to feature at the Asia Cup when returns to full fitness.
And Arteta has admitted it will be "very tricky" to do business in January with doubts remaining over a move for Ivan Toney. "We have certain targets, ideas if things happen," he said. "But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well - and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls."