Arsenal’s hesitation to back down from their demand for Eddie Nketiah may have proven to be a mistake.
The Gunners striker has received several offers from top French club Marseille. Roberto De Zerbi is a big admirer of the 25-year-old.
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It is believed that the centre-forward would be willing to move to the Stade Vélodrome to play regularly for the first team.
Marseille made a £17million bid for Nketiah last month, which was immediately rejected by the north London giants.
And on Friday, an improved offer of £23m was rejected by Mikel Arteta’s men.
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal insist they will only consider offers above £30 million.
The Italian reporter has also stated that the Premier League title contender will insist on a sell-on clause in any deal with the England international, who has only made one appearance.
Romano had stated that Marseille would now look for new options and consider a third offer, and then said that the Ligue 1 team was looking for another striker.
It is said that Marseille will initially sign Borussia Dortmund’s young star, Youssoufa Moukoko, on loan.
The deal is said to include a purchase option, with the 19-year-old agreeing to terms with the nine-time French champions.
What Moukoko’s arrival in Marseille means for their pursuit of Nketiah remains to be seen.
However, to strengthen their attack, they have already signed versatile striker Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.
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Former Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who spent last season at Marseille, has said he urged his former teammate to move across the Channel.
One fan called on the Gabon international on social media to “tell Nketiah to come to Marseille”.
To which the 2020 FA Cup winner simply replied: “Already done.”
Nketiah could be one of many graduates from Arsenal’s Hale End academy to be sold this summer.
Emile Smith Rowe’s £34 million transfer to Fulham was confirmed on Friday after the midfielder made just three Premier League appearances in the last two years.
Meanwhile, winger Reiss Nelson also faces an uncertain future, as he is also expected to be a regular in the starting eleven.
And Arsenal’s academy star Chido Obi-Martin has already left London Colney, while Manchester United are close to signing the 16-year-old striker.