Marseille are still nowhere near Arsenal’s valuation of Eddie Nketiah, according to a report, as the striker continues to play for the Gunners in pre-season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Unlike Emile Smith Rowe, who was left out of Arsenal’s squad to face Manchester United as he closes in on a departure to Fulham, Eddie Nketiah continues to be involved for Mikel Arteta’s side in pre-season despite links with Marseille.

According to Sky Sports’ Melissa Reddy, that’s because Arsenal and Marseille are still a long way from a deal.

The reporter claimed that Marseille still aren’t “anywhere close to the valuation” for Nketiah at this point, despite talks beginning at least a fortnight ago.

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)

La Provence reported a little over a week ago that Nketiah’s camp were insisting that there had been no major progress on a deal, a claim which has seemingly been proven in the days since then.

Yet the French outlet added that Nketiah is receptive to Marseille’s interest, so it’s really up to the clubs at this point.

La Provence claimed Arsenal want more than €20m (£16.8m) for a sale, though various outlets have given differing valuations. Whatever Arsenal’s asking price, it’s clear that Marseille have not met it.

Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his, and their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his, and their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via 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.