Eddie Nketiah has informed Marseille that he wants to join the club this summer with the Arsenal forward having agreed terms on a five-year contract.
Marseille have submitted a second bid for Nketiah after a first fell short of Arsenal’s valuation, with the latest offer in the region of €20m (£16.8m). The value of the transfer is similar to the first bid from the French side but with improved conditions.
The Athletic are reporting that the bid is likely to be rejected given Arsenal’s ‘considerably higher asking price’ for Nketiah. However, the forward is keen to leave the Emirates in search of regular first-team football and has accepted an offer from Marseille, should the clubs reach an agreement.
Nketiah struggled for opportunities at Arsenal last season and started just 10 games in the Premier League, scoring five goals. Kai Havertz’s move to centre-forward reduced his game time across the run-in and the 25-year-old is seeking a greater role.
Marseille will be under the management of ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi this season and are looking to seal their fourth signing from English football this summer. The Ligue 1 outfit have already completed deals for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Watford’s Ismael Kone.
