West Ham United are looking at bringing Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah to the London Stadium, according to Simon Collings.
The Hammers saw Sebastian Haller leave the club this week to join Ajax, so the Gunners’ forward would be the Ivorian’s replacement.
Arsenal Forward Eddie Nketiah a Target for West Ham United
Nketiah Would be Haller’s Replacement at West Ham
Sebastian Haller joined Ajax in a deal worth £20 million. The Hammers’ board have told manager David Moyes that the money from the transfer will be reinvested during the January transfer window.
As a result, Nketiah leads a list of candidates, which also include Bournemouth forward Josh King and Reims striker Boulaye Dia.
The Gunners striker has entered the final 18 months of his existing deal at the Emirates Stadium and West Ham are looking to strike a deal.
Arsenal may be open to a short-term loan move with the England U21 international having made 20 appearances for Mikel Arteta this season. However, with Arsenal having taken out a £120 million loan, the sale of Nketiah could help increase funds to pay off their debt.
Impact on Arsenal
Not only could the transfer money go towards the loan, but it could also be reinvested into Arteta’s playing squad. The Gunners have been in the market for a creative midfielder but have been hampered by lack of funds.
Arsenal want may look to hold on to Nketiah with the news that highly-rated youngster Folarin Balogun is open to a move away from the Emirates. The 19-year-old is out of contract in the summer.
What Nketiah Would Bring to West Ham
First and foremost, goals. Nketiah scored for fun in the youth teams at Arsenal. For the U18s, he scored 15 times from 16 games before adding a further 28 in 38 for the U23s.
At senior level, the striker has 12 from 57, but many of those appearances have been as a substitute. He also impressed while on loan at Leeds United, scoring five in 19.
It’s a similar story at international level. Four goals in two games for the U18s was followed by nine in ten for the U19s. Nketiah added six in nine for the U20s and currently has 12 from just ten appearances for the U21s.
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