Pundit ‘very surprised’ Arsenal could sell Eddie Nketiah after £40m+ reveal
Arsenal will not sell Eddie Nketiah this January unless they recruit a “20-goal-a-season” striker.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was adamant that the Englishman is happy being part of Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing squad despite not being a mainstay.
As revealed by Football Insider (24 December), the Gunners could part ways with the 24-year-old for £40million with West Ham heavily linked alongside Crystal Palace and Brentford.
Sources also told Football Insider (22 December) that the North London outfit are preparing to part ways with him at the end of the season in their bid to raise funds for the summer window.
Nketiah has made 24 appearances this season, bagging six goals and four assists, but his early run of starts in the league was ended when Gabriel Jesus returned from injury.
Robinson feels that Nketiah’s future will be in north London for the remainder of the campaign as they need the depth to remain strong in all competitions.
“I think he’s quite happy being a part of a squad that’s winning,” he told Football Insider.
“When you look at the amount of games he plays and the fact that Arsenal are competing in the league, the cup competitions and the Champions League.
“He’s started 12 games this season. People think he doesn’t start or play many games.
“To be at the top of the Premier League, as Arsenal are, you need a strong squad and you need players like Nketiah.
“I’d be very surprised if Arsenal were interested in doing any kind of business this January. Does that mean they’re signing a 20-goal-a-season man?
“If they get another striker in January, then Nketiah is the one you’d think would look to progress his career elsewhere.
“Gabriel Jesus would stay, but I can’t see Nketiah going anywhere.”
In other news, Sources: Douglas Luiz’s head turned by Man City and Arsenal interest.