Nottingham Forest are reportedly targeting Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, having identified the England international as one of their prime transfer goals this summer.
The 25-year-old striker had previously agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 club Marseille earlier in the window, but the French club failed to meet Arsenal’s £30 million asking price.
Despite the setback, Forest have made Nketiah their “top target to strengthen in attack,” according to a report from The Athletic.
Forest’s initial bid of £25 million, including add-ons, has been rejected by the Gunners, though negotiations are said to be ongoing.
Meanwhile, Nketiah’s representatives are in talks with Forest over potential personal terms.
Nketiah was an unused substitute during Arsenal’s opening Premier League match of the season, a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with goals coming from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
Last season, Nketiah managed six goals across all competitions and earned his England debut in a 1-0 win against Australia in October.
However, his playing time has been limited due to Havertz’s excellent form in the past six months, and Gabriel Jesus’ return to full fitness after an injury disrupted his 2023/24 campaign.
Forest kicked off their 2023/24 season with a 1-1 draw, as striker Chris Wood found the net in the 23rd minute.
Taiwo Awoniyi, who joined Forest in 2022 for a then club-record £17 million, also provides a strong attacking option for head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.
According to the report, Forest believe Nketiah would integrate well alongside the club’s rising British talents, including Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and summer signing Elliot Anderson.
The East Midlands club has also bolstered their squad with signings like Nikola Milenkovic, Jota Silva, and Carlos Miguel during this transfer window.
Read more: Mikel Merino demands made clear to Arsenal by Real Sociedad
Chelsea agree Joao Felix deal; set to undergo medical this week
Liverpool receive unexpected boost in late pursuit of Martin Zubimendi
