Transfer notebook: Arsenal’s staggering Eddie Nketiah price tag, Tottenham serious about Eberechi Eze, Everton target Manchester United fringe stars


As The Pitch Prospect has learned, Arsenal have demanded a transfer fee of £50 million for Eddie Nketiah.

The Gunners are willing to sell Nketiah if they bring in a new striker, despite him being a regular for Mikel Arteta in the Premier League last season.

Nketiah could leave Arsenal this summer, but he won't be cheap

3

Nketiah could leave Arsenal this summer, but he won’t be cheap.

Crystal Palace have always been interested in the England U21 international, while West Ham and Southampton are among other clubs looking for a new striker.

However, the Gunners’ valuation, coupled with Nketiah’s salary of well over £100,000 a week after signing a new five-year contract in the summer of 2022, is likely to deter many of his suitors.

Arsenal FC are considering strengthening their attacking line after missing out on top talent Benjamin Sesko.

Spurs take Eze seriously

With Michael Olise close to signing a contract with Bayern Munich, Crystal Palace face another battle to keep another of their star players.

Olise’s departure to FC Bayern is a heavy blow for coach Oliver Glasner, who had hoped to keep the Frenchman for at least one more season.

Glasner now risks losing Olise’s Selhurst Park teammate and England newcomer Eberechi Eze, who The Pitch Prospect say is attracting serious interest from Tottenham.

Like Olise, Eze is believed to have a release clause of around £60 million in his contract, which Spurs will look to activate once they have cleared players from their payroll.

Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who impressed in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with England, is among the players Spurs are receiving offers for, along with AC Milan’s Emerson Royal.

After losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Crystal Palace do not want to lose another jewel in their crown

3

After losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Crystal Palace do not want to lose another jewel in their crown.

Tractor Boys Summer Harvest

Ipswich are planning their return to the Premier League and are expecting a busy summer at Portman Road.

The promoted side, who faced a difficult return to the top flight, are close to signing out-of-contract right-back Ben Johnson following his departure from West Ham.

Gabriel Martinelli leaves Brazil training limping after collision, worrying Arsenal fans

Reliable sources have also revealed to The Pitch Prospect that they have identified Brighton goalkeeper Carl Rushworth as the man they want as their number one in League One.

Rushworth, 22, shone on loan at Swansea last season, while Johnson, 24, who has made 69 Premier League appearances, has turned down a new contract at West Ham to move to Portman Road.

Another player on Ipswich’s radar is Cameron Carter-Vickers, formerly of Celtic and a Tottenham player, and manager Kieran McKenna is clearly being backed in the transfer market after committing his future to the club.

Everton’s clean-up at Old Trafford

Keep an eye on whether Everton might want to sign some players from Manchester United.

Both Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka could move to Goodison Park this summer

3

Both Lindelof and Wan-Bissaka could move to Goodison Park this summer.

I’m told the Toffees are one of several clubs interested in right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is also being courted by Galatasaray.

Sean Dyche is also rumoured to be a fan of centre-back Victor Lindelof, who may leave Old Trafford as United look to reshape their squad.

Lindelof could even be a candidate to succeed Jarrad Branthwaite, although there are currently no signs of a breakthrough in negotiations between United and Everton over the 21-year-old centre-back.