ARSENAL are continuing negotiations with Marseille over Eddie Nketiah.
The Gunners are in talks with the French giants over a season-long loan move with an obligatory fee of around £25m.
Marseille are yet to agree to those terms with discussions ongoing – having initially made an offer of around £17m for the player last month.
Personal terms are believed to already be in place on a five-year deal.
Marseille manager and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi is a fan of Hale End academy kid Nketiah, 25, who wants more game time after notching just 10 Prem starts last term.
Nketiah – who signed a new five-year contract at Arsenal back in June 2022 – is still rated by Mikel Arteta, speaking glowingly of the England international following a 4-1 friendly victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.
Arteta – who brought Nketiah off the bench for a 19-minute cameo against Leverkusen – said of his potential departure: “We cannot talk about things like that.
“He played some minutes today again. He is a player that gives us so much, we really like him.
“And at the moment, there is nothing to discuss.”
Nketiah scored six goals in 37 appearances in all competitions last term, starting seven of Arsenal’s first eight Prem games with Gabriel Jesus out with a knee injury.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
However, he failed to make a single start in any competition in 2024.
Should Nkeitah leave, there is a concern Arsenal will be left short up top in central areas – relying on Jesus and Kai Havertz to remain fit to lead the line.
The North Londoners remain in the market for a forward – likely to be a wide player – and are still in talks with Real Sociedad over a move for 28-year-old Spain midfielder Mikel Merino.
Arsenal have already bagged £27m plus £7m in add-ons through the sale of another academy star in Emile Smith Rowe who completed his move to Fulham last week.
Smith Rowe, 24, also cited first team opportunities as his motivation to exit the club.
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £35m deal for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.
Conor Gallagher has completed his medical ahead of a £34million move to Atletico Madrid.
Manchester City are also selling striker Julian Alvarez to the La Liga side – and the deal is almost certain to get done despite a slight hitch over personal terms.
Tottenham have identified Dominic Solanke as a major transfer target before the end of the window, according to reports.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest deals and rumours from the Emirates
