Arsenal turned down approaches from Newcastle United and Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah in the final days of the January transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano reports that both Newcastle United and Crystal Palace made approaches or proposals to Arsenal for the signing of Eddie Nketiah as the January transfer window drew to a close.

The Gunners obviously turned those offers down, perhaps with the impending departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in mind. If Nketiah had left as well, Alexandre Lacazette would have been the club’s only recognised centre-forward.

Romano adds that there’s a chance Nketiah will soon sign a pre-contract with another club, given he’s out of contract in the summer. But for now, Arsenal are holding onto him.

In the build-up to Monday’s deadline, there was plenty of talk surrounding a potential exit for Nketiah.

Crystal Palace reportedly made two bids for the player, whilst some outlets claimed Newcastle United considered Nketiah a priority signing.

On deadline day, Luke Edwards reported that there was “no chance” Newcastle sign Nketiah, adding that the striker is staying at Arsenal. At the time, they’d turned their attentions to Reims forward Ekitike.

But they failed to complete the Ekitike deal, so it’s not impossible they return for Nketiah in the summer.

On Sunday, Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge reported that Arsenal had turned down a second bid from Crystal Palace for Eddie Nketiah.

Ryan Taylor of the Daily Express added that whilst there was still interest in Nketiah ahead of the deadline, Mikel Arteta was determined to keep him.

Nketiah has scored five goals in 10 Arsenal appearances this season, all of which came in the League Cup. The 22-year-old has only played a total of 51 minutes in the Premier League this campaign.