Arsenal see 'accelerated' summer transfer efforts amid £42m demand claims

Arsenal have reportedly seen ‘accelerated’ efforts from Marseille as they continue to battle for Eddie Nketiah’s signature this summer.

Earlier this week, the former Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang instigated a social media frenzy when he insinuated the 25-year-old’s arrival in Ligue 1 was ‘déjà fait’ (already done), but it now appears as if Marseille are waiting to hear back if Arsenal will accept the French club’s terms.

L’Equipe have reported that Marseille view the one-time England international as their main target to replace the Saudi-bound Aubameyang. However, they are continually struggling to strike a deal with the north London club and there have been continually conflicting claims about where the Gunners stand on the former Leeds loanee.

While certain reports indicate they have not been willing to let Nketiah depart, other claims they are demanding €50m (£42.5m) to sanction a move. Marseille are said to have been in contact with Gunners officials to find out if they are willing to part ways with the 25-year-old.

The Arsenal exit door for the Englishman is now said to be open with Marseille ‘intensifying’ their talks. The new Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi has reportedly sent over their first bid which, if accepted, would see the frontman join the Ligue 1 club on loan with a €20m obligation to buy clause. Marseille are now said to be waiting for Arsenal’s official response.

The 25-year-old academy graduate had his game time significantly reduced last campaign as he battled against the likes of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for minutes on the pitch.

The report from L’Equipe notes that the possibility of joining Marseille is ‘very attractive’ to Nketiah, adding that Marseille and the striker have ‘almost reached’ an agreement over salary and duration of his contract. The French side will, however, have to work carefully as there remain other clubs still interested in signing the Gunners frontman which could convince the Gunners to raise their demands.