Bad news for Arsenal as Marseille end transfer pursuit of Nketiah | OneFootball

Arsenal have suffered a setback with Marseille withdrawing interest in signing their striker Eddie Nketiah.

The French outfit have been in discussions with the Gunners for over the last few weeks, but they have now decided to end the pursuit.

Arsenal were ready to part ways with Nketiah on loan with an obligation to buy for £25.7 million, but Marseille have opted to sign Lens’ Elye Wahi instead.

They have agreed to pay £21.4m for the Frenchman with a further £4.3m in add-ons.

Arsenal may not sign new striker unless Nketiah leaves

The Gunners have been tipped to sign a marquee striker this summer, but there has been no progress.

Nketiah’s exit could have paved the way for a new centre-forward, but the door has been closed for now with Marseille opting to sign Wahi from Lens this month.

The 25-year-old could still leave for another club in the Premier League or Europe, but the lack of interest could mean that Arsenal may not pursue a new marksman.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have largely shared the centre-forward duties in pre-season and the duo could continue to do so next term if a new striker does not arrive.

Havertz in particular fared well during the back end of last season. The German registered 15 goal contributions from his final 14 games of the top-flight campaign.

However, he has been guilty of missing clear-cut chance. A marquee striker with a goalscoring pedigree such as Viktor Gyokeres would boost the club’s title bid.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.