EXCLUSIVE: Leicester City enter race for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah

Steve Kay

Updated: 3 Apr 2024 22:13 BST
3 min read

Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Leicester City have joined Crystal Palace and Brentford in the race for Eddie Nketiah, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The Championship side believes that covering the Arsenal striker’s wages won't be a problem if they get promoted, while Jamie Vardy is likely to move on at the end of the season, which will free up £150,000 a week, we are told. Brentford are anticipating the departure of Ivan Toney, and Crystal Palace have shown long-term interest in Nketiah in previous windows.

As reported before, the youngster is leaning towards a move to the Bees for the upcoming summer transfer window, but now the emergence of the Foxes could change that. Arsenal, in addition to offloading players, are actively seeking to strengthen their squad with new talent as they aim to mount another challenge for the Premier League title next season. Emile Smith Rowe is another who has been earmarked to leave.

Though specific details regarding their budget remain undisclosed, significant funds are expected to be made available, given the club's financial position. Concerns regarding Arsenal's compliance with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations will be helped by the potential departure of Hale End graduates.

© IMAGO - Emile Smith Rowe is another who could leave Arsenal in the summer

Which players are Arsenal targeting in the summer transfer window?

As for their summer transfer targets, Arsenal has been extensively scouting Benjamin Sesko, who could potentially depart from RB Leipzig in the upcoming window, and the Gunners remain admirers of Newcastle star Alexander Isak.

But Arsenal has made Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres their primary target for the upcoming transfer window and are prepared to spend big to bring in the former Coventry City player. The 25-year-old has a €100m release clause with his current side, and it’s thought that Arsenal would face competition for his signature from other elite sides.