Arsenal has reportedly turned down a €27 million offer from Olympique de Marseille for striker Eddie Nketiah, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The bid, which was Marseille’s second attempt to secure the 25-year-old Englishman, has been deemed insufficient by the Gunners.

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 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)

This rejection comes despite Marseille reportedly agreeing to personal terms with Nketiah, who is said to be keen on a move to the French side. Earlier in the week, L’Équipe reported that the striker has already agreed to a five-year contract with Marseille, contingent, obviously, on the clubs reaching an agreement on the transfer fee.

This isn’t the first time Marseille has made a move for Nketiah. Earlier in the week, L‘Équipe reported that the French club had offered a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause set at €20 million, which was not accepted by Arsenal.

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)
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)

While Marseille’s latest offer represents a significant increase from their initial proposal, it falls short of Arsenal’s valuation of the player, which has been reported to be as high as €50m. The Gunners are certainly holding out for a much higher fee, especially considering Nketiah’s potential and the current inflated transfer market, but no-one expects them to be realistically expecting to get anything close to €50m.

Nketiah, who joined Arsenal‘s academy from Chelsea in 2015, has made over 160 appearances for the club, scoring 28 goals. He has also had a loan spell at Leeds United in 2019. He also still has three years left on the deal he signed in 2022.

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)

Despite not being a regular starter, Nketiah has proven to be a valuable asset for Arsenal, often coming off the bench to provide crucial goals in key games.

With both clubs – and the player – seemingly keen on a deal, it remains to be seen whether Marseille will return with an improved offer that is closer to Arsenal‘s demands. €27m is around £23m and a bit closer to £30m should be enough.