The Pitch Prospect’s Simon Jordan was astonished to hear that Arsenal want £50 million for Eddie Nketiah this summer.
The striker currently has a contract until 2027, but his future with the Gunners, whose academy he came through after leaving Chelsea’s youth team at the age of 14, is uncertain.
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Nketiah scored six goals in 37 appearances last season, but with the 25-year-old on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad, The Pitch Prospect’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook spoke about White and Jordan and a potential sale of him by Arsenal.
“I believe Arsenal would be willing to sell him if they get their own No. 9,” he explained.
“But I’m told the price Arsenal are looking to get for Eddie Nketiah is £50m, so I wonder if that might put off some potential suitors.
“He also has a contract worth over £100,000 a week. I know Crystal Palace, Simon’s old club, have always been interested in Nketiah.
“Some clubs like West Ham, Everton or Southampton want to strengthen their striker ranks, but I wonder if the £50 million demanded isn’t a bit too high for some.”
Despite Nketiah’s experience and quality, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan was shocked by the valuation.
“If you want £40 million, you’d better ask for £50 million,” he said. “But is he worth £50 million? Pfft, you’ve got to be kidding me, right?”
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“It’s one thing to pay for old stuff but this is… it’s going a bit too far. He’s not a £50 million footballer, I mean he’s lucky to be a £30 million footballer and earn £100,000 a week!”
Co-host Jim White then pointed out that Man City paid £100 million for Jack Grealish and asked if it was worth it. Jordan replied: “No, he’s not. But he is because Aston Villa were clever enough to put in a release clause and Man City have more money than God.”
“He will be playing in an elite team and I think comparing Grealish to Eddie Nketiah is probably a false assumption because are we questioning the validity of Pep Guardiola’s thinking?
“We have a unique manager who has built a unique team that dominates English football. He believes Jack Grealish is worth the money.
“However, I think most objective observers, with the possible exception of Eddie Nketiah’s family themselves, would say he is not worth £50 million.”
Nketiah made his Arsenal debut in a Europa League match in September 2017 and scored his first goal for the club a month later. He also spent a time on loan at Leeds, but career highlights include scoring twice for Arsenal in a 3-2 win over Man United in 2023.
One of Arsenal’s priorities this summer is said to be signing a new centre-forward.
The 21-year-old Slovenian striker Benjamin Sesko was considered a target for the north Londoner, but decided to commit his future to RB Leipzig and sign a new contract.