Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah (C) and teammates celebrate after Arsenal win the penalty shoot-out after the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Marseille make new Arsenal striker bid amid Aubameyang encouragement

Jul 31, 2024

Olympique de Marseille have made a new bid for Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah, with talks to continue despite the offer falling short of the Gunners’ valuation.

Arsenal's British forward #14 Eddie Nketiah controls the ball during a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah controls the ball during a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that Marseille have made an improved offer to Arsenal for 25-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah.

The new bid is reportedly worth almost €20m (£16.8m), which is close to the value of their initial rejected offer. But the new offer is closer to the formula Arsenal want, it’s just the valuation that remains an issue.

Talks are ongoing, and Nketiah has already agreed a five-year contract with Marseille. He’s keen to join Roberto De Zerbi’s team if the two clubs can agree.

Arsenal's British forward #14 Eddie Nketiah aknowledges the supporters at the end of a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images) — Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah aknowledges the supporters at the end of a UEFA Champions League group B football match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, on December 12, 2023. (Photo by KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Dharmesh Sheth reports for Sky Sports that there’s a growing feeling a deal can be done for Nketiah, as talks remain ongoing.

Fabrizio Romano claims Marseille are continuing to work on the deal, with Nketiah having said ‘yes’ to their project.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has claimed on Twitter that he’s already told Nketiah to join Marseille. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to be up to the player himself at this point. It’s up to Marseille to increase their bid.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's third and his hat-trick goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) — LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s third and his hat-trick goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Nketiah made 37 appearances for Arsenal last season, but just 13 of those were starts. The striker has featured in all of the Gunners’ pre-season friendlies so far, with the club currently away on tour in the United States.