Nottingham Forest were in the market for a new striker and things are now starting to heat up ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday.
The Reds were very interested in Eddie Nketiah but a deal was unable to be struck between Forest and the Arsenal talisman.
Now, it would appear that all roads lead to Santiago Gimenez and Forest have made an improved offer for the 23-year-old Mexico international.
Gimenez has made a blistering start to 2024/25 and has already bagged four goals for Feyenoord as they look forward to playing in the Champions League.
For Nketiah though, he’s now still searching for a move with a transfer to Forest now off of the table – at least for this summer.
Eddie Nketiah now linked with another Premier League club
According to Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are now exploring the possibility of signing Nketiah.
The player will cost around £30 million – with Forest agreeing on a deal with Arsenal for the player’s services.
Nketiah doesn’t have a future at the Emirates Stadium and hasn’t played any football in the first two matches of the campaign.
The 25-year-old has spent his entire career with the Gunners and now the chance to stay in London might present itself.
Sheth posted on X: “Crystal Palace and unnamed European club exploring a deal for Eddie Nketiah. The player still expected to move. The primary motivation is regular football.”
Nketiah has scored 38 goals in 168 appearances for the Gunners but is now looking to take the next step in his career.
Nketiah would have been good for Forest but value for money is key
It’s fair to say that Nketiah did fit the profile of the sort of player that Forest have been trying to sign this summer – albeit an expensive one!
At £30 million, Forest would probably have been paying the going rate for a striker boasting Premier League experience.
However, his wage would have been a concern, with the striker earning £120,000-a-week at Arsenal and unwilling to take a pay cut.
Forest might now feel that the deal for Gimenez is going to prove better value for money and the Mexican probably has a higher ceiling.
He’s two years younger than Nketiah and although he does lack Premier League experience, he’s spent time playing regularly – and scoring goals – in a successful team.
Time will tell what happens with Nketiah and it will now be fascinating to see where he ends up.
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