By Betsefy
Arsenal have reportedly rejected a fresh offer from Crystal Palace for out-of-favour striker Eddie Nketiah.
The 22-year-old is set to leave as a free agent in the summer after consistently rebuffing the Gunners’ attempts to tie him down to a new deal beyond the end of the current season.
Mikel Arteta has spoken of his desire to keep Nketiah on the books at the Emirates Stadium, but the striker continues to struggle for game time in the Premier League and is thought to be pining for an exit.
Crystal Palace reportedly saw an attempt to sign Nketiah last summer rejected by Arsenal, and Sky Sports News reports that the Eagles have seen another bid turned down ahead of Monday’s winter deadline.
Arsenal have so far been left frustrated in their pursuit of a new striker this month, witnessing Dusan Vlahovic move to Juventus and supposedly being told to fork out £75m if they wish to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.
As a result, Arteta’s side will be reluctant to let any attacking players leave before the deadline, although Barcelona and Juventus have reportedly made formal approaches for exiled former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Bayer Leverkusen are also rumoured to be keeping an eye on Nketiah’s situation, with the former England Under-21 international playing just 51 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.
