Olympique de Marseille‘s pursuit of Arsenal‘s Eddie Nketiah continues, with the French club reportedly submitting a fourth bid for the 25-year-old striker and Arsenal sending a proposal back.

Despite Arsenal rejecting three previous offers, Marseille remains determined to secure Nketiah’s services so will they agree to Arsenal’s proposal?

Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah (L) vies with Manchester United's Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah (L) vies with Manchester United’s Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Nketiah, who has been with Arsenal since he was 16, has struggled to nail down a starting spot in the Gunners’ lineup. The Englishman has made 168 competitive appearances for Arsenal, scoring 38 goals and providing seven assists.

Marseille’s interest in Nketiah is no secret, with the club reportedly having already agreed on personal terms with the striker, offering a five-year deal. However, the stumbling block has been Arsenal’s valuation of the player.

Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah kisses the match ball as he celebrates 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 English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah kisses the match ball as he celebrates 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)

Marseille’s latest bid’s exact amount is unknown, but it’s clear that Marseille is eager to bring Nketiah to Ligue 1. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the new bid and stated that Nketiah remains keen on the move.

He said, “Understand Olympique Marseille have sent new bid to Arsenal for Eddie Nketiah! Negotiations restart and Nketiah remains keen on the move to OM, attracted by the project. OM happy to return in talks but they’d only advance at their conditions.”

Not long after that was reported, David Ornstein said that “Arsenal ready to sanction Eddie Nketiah exit for Marseille. Proposed deal season-long loan + buy obligation in region of €30m. Personal terms for 25yo #AFC striker agreed on 5yr contract. Ball now in #OM court to decide if proceed or not”

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC moves the ball against AFC Bournemouth during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC moves the ball against AFC Bournemouth during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

 

As the transfer window progresses, the pressure mounts on both clubs to reach an agreement. Nketiah’s desire to join Marseille and secure more playing time is clear, while Arsenal’s insistence on a £30 million fee reflects their belief in the player’s value.

This deal seems like a good compromise.