Eddie Nketiah: Premier League and European clubs looking at young striker transfer

Eddie Nketiah has entered the final months of his Arsenal contract - and his future is no closer to being resolved.

The 22-year-old started for the Gunners in their FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but has found regular Premier League football difficult to come by this season.

And with his current deal set to expire in the summer, there has been a host of speculation over what may be next for the former England youth international.

LondonWorld has taken a look at the current state of play with Nketiah, his contract and where he could end up in the summer…

The contract rules at play

With Nketiah now in the final six months of his contract, he is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs should he so desire.

The landmark Bosman ruling of 1995 gave licence to players and their representatives to line-up a move at the end of their contracts, provided there is less than half a year remaining on the deal.

Nketiah falls into that category, and so is free to discuss terms with clubs across Europe - although not any of Arsenal’s Premier League rivals, who cannot make an approach until the final month of his current contract.

Mikel Arteta’s clear message

Arsenal have been consistent in their approach over the contract talks. They are keen for Nketiah to stay, and remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta reiterated that stance when speaking to the media earlier this month - and said he feels Nketiah is showing that he wants to remain at the Emirates Stadium beyond the summer.

“I already spoke about Eddie, about how I feel about him, the intentions of the club and where we are,” he said.

“He is with us, every day he shows me and the club that he wants to stay with us and I keep having those discussions with him, but he knows that we want him at the club.”

What has Eddie Nketiah said?

The striker was asked about his future after scoring a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup win over Sunderland in December - but was giving little away.

“I’m eager to play football and I’m at Arsenal to give my all,” he said.

“I’m desperate to play football, every player wants to play. All I can do is work hard and it will work itself out.”

Interest from across Europe

The focus of both parties at present appears to be on finding an agreement for Nketiah to remain in North London - but given the limited amount of time left on his contract, interest from elsewhere is inevitable.

Crystal Palace are one club known to be monitoring the situation while Newcastle United have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

There is also thought to be interest from across Europe, according to The Mirror, with Bayer Leverkusen among the teams keeping tabs on the striker.