Bid rejected as Forest make Arsenal striker their top target | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest have made Eddie Nketiah their top striker target, with Arsenal rejecting their opening bid as talks continue.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah heads the ball during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Just as Nottingham Forest appeared to fade from the race for Eddie Nketiah, submitting a bid for Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, the saga has taken another twist.

David Ornstein broke the news on Monday night that Forest had decided to make Nketiah their top striker target, and that they’re working on a deal to sign him.

Forest’s opening bid of £25m (including add-ons) has already been rejected, but talks are continuing and Arsenal are looking for £30-35m.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC moves the ball against AFC Bournemouth during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Ornstein adds in his report for The Athletic that Forest are in talks with Nketiah’s representatives, and that Crystal Palace have also spoken to Arsenal about a move, though Palace aren’t currently in negotiations.

Whilst the report confirms that Forest have looked at a deal for Gimenez, Nketiah is their priority as things stand.

Elsewhere, Brentford are definitely not in the race, with reports that they have no plans to sign a striker this summer even if wantaway forward Ivan Toney leaves. The club feel they have enough options up front either way.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC reacts against AFC Bournemouth during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

Nketiah made 37 appearances for Arsenal last season, though just 13 of those were starts. The striker made appearances throughout pre-season and was in Mikel Arteta’s squad against Wolves on Saturday.