talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan was left astounded when he heard Arsenal want £50million for Eddie Nketiah this summer.
The striker currently has a contract running until 2027 but faces an uncertain future with the Gunners.
Nketiah scored six goals in 37 appearances last season and has been at the club since 2015 when he joined their acadmey.
However, with the 25-year-old on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook spoke on White and Jordan about Arsenal potentially selling him.
“A player who I think Arsenal would be willing to sell if they bring in their own No.9,” he said.
“But I’ve been told the price tag that Arsenal expect to recoup for Eddie Nketiah is £50m, so I wonder if that might put off some potential suitors.
“He’s also got a contract worth in excess of £100,000-a-week, I know Crystal Palace, Simon’s old club, historically have been keen on Nketiah.
“You’ve got the likes of West Ham and Everton, Southampton all looking to bolster their striker ranks, but I just wonder if that £50m asking price might be a bit rich for some.”
Despite Nketiah’s experience and quality, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan was shocked with the valuation.
“Ultimately if you want to get £40million, you’re better off asking for £50million,” he said. “But is he worth £50million? Pfft, you’ve got to be joking haven’t you?
“There’s one thing paying for old rope but this is… you’re stretching a bit far. He’s not a £50m footballer, I mean, he’s lucky to be a £30m footballer and on £100,000-a-week!”
“We’ve said this in the past, is Jack Grealish a £100million footballer?” asked Jim White, but Jordan responded: “No, not he’s not. But he is because Aston Villa were clever enough to put a release clause in there and Man City have got more money than God.
“He goes to play in an elite side and I think comparing Grealish to Eddie Nketiah is probably a false paradise because do we question the validity of Pep Guardiola’s thinking?
“We’ve got a unique manager who has produced a unique side that’s dominating English football, he thinks Jack Grealish is worth the money.
“Whereas I think most objective observers, perhaps except Eddie Nketiah’s family themselves, would suggest that he’s not worth £50m.”
One of Arsenal’s priorities this summer is believed to be signing a new centre-forward.
Benjamin Sesko emerged as a target for the north London side but he opted to commit his future to RB Leipzig by signing a new contract.
News Summary:
- ‘You’ve got to be joking’ – Simon Jordan stunned by transfer fee Arsenal are demanding for fringe player
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