Arsenal man rejects move to Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah’s transfer saga has taken yet another twist as his proposed move to Nottingham Forest has fallen through, according to The Athletic.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC moves the ball against AFC Bournemouth during the first half during a pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Dignity Health Sports Park on July 24, 2024. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

While Forest had agreed a deal worth up to £30 million with Arsenal after an initial £25 million bid was rejected, they couldn’t finalise personal terms with the England international.

The collapse of this move highlights the complex nature of negotiations, with both club and player seemingly failing to align on multiple fronts.

Interestingly, the situation contrasts sharply with Nketiah’s earlier talks with Marseille.

The French side had agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old but couldn’t meet Arsenal’s asking price.

Despite both parties being on the same page regarding Nketiah’s contract, the deal never materialised due to a gap in valuations between the two clubs.

Marseille subsequently moved on, signing Elye Wahi from Lens instead.

Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah kisses the match ball as he celebrates after scoring his, and their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Sheffield United at the Emirates Stadium in London on October 28, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

For Nketiah, it’s been a frustrating window. On one hand, he’s been eager to secure regular first-team football away from the Emirates, yet finding a club that ticks all the boxes—personal terms, fee, and ambition—has proved elusive.

With a week remaining in the transfer window, both Nketiah and Arsenal still have time to find a resolution that works for everyone.

Even with Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to a groin injury, Nketiah wasn’t called upon against Aston Villa as the club look to move him on. Mikel Arteta acknowledged that his squad is short but remained coy about bringing in another striker, suggesting it wasn’t a priority despite the uncertainty surrounding Nketiah’s future.

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – DECEMBER 12: Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal talks with Eddie Nketiah after the UEFA Champions League match between PSV Eindhoven and Arsenal FC at Philips Stadion on December 12, 2023 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The breakdown in talks with Forest also raises questions about the Forest’s strategy. Nketiah, who earns around £100,000 per week at Arsenal, would have been one of the highest earners at the City Ground if Forest had matched his salary. However, it appears that the financial offer and Forest’s sporting project weren’t enough to convince the player.

Forest, who have already brought in several reinforcements this summer, including Nikola Milenkovic and Elliot Anderson, will now likely shift focus back to Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez as they continue their search for a new striker according to David Ornstein.

Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah reacts at the end of the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Fulham at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 26, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

For now, Nketiah’s future remains in limbo. Arsenal seem willing to part ways if the right offer comes in, but finding a club that aligns with both the player’s and Arsenal’s demands has proved challenging.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, the coming days will be crucial for determining whether Nketiah stays put or finds a new challenge away from North London.