Aston Villa ‘interested’ in Arsenal forward

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah in January.

The Athletic has reported that Steven Gerrard wants a new left-back, a midfielder and a striker at Villa Park this month.

With the club already signing Lucas Digne from Everton and Philippe Coutinho (loan) from Barcelona, Aston Villa may be looking to bring in a striker next.

Villa currently has Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins as the senior first-team forwards, with academy graduate Cameron Archer the back-up choice.

They have loaned out Keinan David to Nottingham Forest.

Villa could further sanction a loan deal for Archer, but that transfer is hinged upon them getting a new face this month.

Nketiah turning down a contract extension at the Emirates will help Villa convince Arsenal

The Villans have reportedly (Birmingham Mail) shortlisted Nketiah as a possible transfer target.

The young English forward has less than six months remaining on his contract and has refused an extension at the Emirates Stadium.

The 22-year-old wants regular first-team action, something he is unlikely to get at Arsenal immediately.

On that basis, it could prove to be a good opportunity for the Gunners to let go of Nketiah for a transfer fee in January instead of losing him for free in the summer.

Arsenal’s last update on the situation came from manager Mikel Arteta who said the club are determined to keep the player.

The Gunners are facing a striker crisis at the moment.

Both Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette have less than six months on their current contracts, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been frozen out of the first team due to disciplinary issues.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace have also registered their interest in signing Eddie Nketiah.

Football Today’s Verdict:

Arsenal are determined to extend Nketiah’s contract and may end up coming to terms with the player on a contract extension that also sees him going out on loan.

However, more and more players are testing free agency to maximise their wages and signing bonuses at an earlier age, so we could see Nketiah stay until the summer then move on for a free transfer.