ARSENAL star Eddie Nketiah is being tracked by French side Marseille, according to reports.
It comes after the club were criticized by the city’s mayor after reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Mason Greenwood.
5
5
According to feet marketthe Ligue 1 side have opened discussions with 25-year-old Nketiah over the possibility of joining the club.
SunSport exclusively revealed in June how the Gunners were reluctantly willing to sell the Hale End graduate to make way for new attacking reinforcements.
Nketiah struggled to gain game time at the Emirates last season but attracted interest from several Premier League sides, including Fulham, in signing him for up to £30m.
However, he could now be on his way abroad to join former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.
And Nketiah, who scored six goals in all competitions last season, is open to a new challenge.
A separate deal was reached with Manchester United to sign Greenwood in a £27 million deal.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Getafe and this summer has attracted interest from a number of top teams including Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, Valencia, Lazio, Juventus and Marseille.
Greenwood was suspended by Man Utd in January 2022 before being charged nine months later with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behavior towards a woman.
BEST UK BOOKMAKER FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERSs
The former England international denied the allegations, with all criminal charges being dropped in February 2023.
However, fans of the Ligue 1 club have started a campaign called #GreenwoodNotWelcome, imploring Marseille chiefs to abandon their pursuit or risk causing “irreversible damage”.
The city’s mayor, Benoit Payan, was also outraged by the news, telling RMC: “I don’t want my club to be covered in shame.
“It’s not acceptable.”
Responding to calls about a possible move, De Zerbi said he would “defend Greenwood” publicly.
He said: “Greenwood hasn’t been recruited yet, so there’s not much to say. He is a champion, an international player.
5
“I don’t know what happened, I’m not focusing on my private life. When a player signs for the club, I consider him my son.
“Even if I manage to pull your ear in private, I will defend you publicly. My players are like my children.”
The last player to be exchanged between the clubs was Matteo Guendouzi in 2022.
This summer the club has already confirmed the arrivals of Ismael Kone, Bamo Meite and Lilian Brassier on loan.
5
5
SUNSPORT TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the loop this summer with The Sun’s transfer experts.
Arsenal and Manchester United are on high alert, with Marc Guehi ready to reject Crystal Palace’s new contract offer, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Donny van de Beek is set to leave the Red Devils for a fixed fee of €500,000 plus various add-ons.
Amanda Staveley is set to leave her role at Newcastle this summer after three years leading the club.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
SunSport’s verdict on Arsenal stars
Mikel Arteta wants to prepare Arsenal to beat Man City to the title after yet another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his team to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.
David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class goalkeeper with all the attributes required for Arteta’s way of playing.
Aaron Ramsdale-GO: It’s a shame he was left out for Raya, but he’s now looking for a move to become a regular No. 1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
Karl Hein – STAY: Ramsdale are unlikely to take second place if the Englishman leaves – but the club cannot afford to lose two goalkeepers in the same window.
William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is one of the best young defenders in the world at the moment, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the team that has conceded just 29 Prem goals this season.
Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive defense. He has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has become a right-back this season.
Gabriel – STAY: He was on the periphery at the start of the campaign, but forced his way back and forged a powerful partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defense. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
Madeira Jurrien – STAY: I’m yet to see the best of the Dutchman after a season marred by injuries, but Arteta sees him as a revolutionary full-back.
Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to separate the duo of Saliba and Gabriel, but impresses when called upon, especially in a spell at left-back.
Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with an expiring contract. I never really convinced Arteta he was trustworthy and he spent most of the season warming the bench.
Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta loves. He can play as a central defender or right-back and is a strong presence at set pieces.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is difficult to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing for £35 million, but proved limited defensively.
Thomas Partey – GO: Injury-prone and looked leggy when he finally recovered from the hamstring problems that kept him out from October to March. The contract ends next summer.
Martin Odegaard – STAY: Fantastic captain. A true leader among men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of his tenure and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A good squad option, but you get the feeling he’s running out of time to prove to the club that he’s worth continuing.
Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, makes Arsenal play better with him in the team.
Fábio Vieira – GO: It is perhaps difficult to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season, but he still looks out of place in English football. A loan change could help.
Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player leaving with an expiring contract. The right decision for both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger era.
Kai Havertz – STAY: It looks like a bargain now at Chelsea’s £65m after their eventful end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder but now leads as a starting number 9.
Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
Bukayo Saka – STAY: An invincible star for the club and the country at this moment. It will undoubtedly get even better in the coming seasons.
Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but now, it would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality within the group.
Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term, but Arteta has a lot of faith in him. Additional competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
Eddie Nketiah – GO: His career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to change that. His six-figure wages could put off Premier League suitors.
Leandro Trossard – STAY: He can bring his qualities as a starter or as a substitute – a brilliant option to have when chasing a title.
Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and enjoys having him in the team, but his impact has diminished over the last 12 months.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
