West Ham United transfer news: Fabrizio Romano shares update on Arsenal exit for Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah leaving Arsenal is in line to be “one to watch” this summer but it is still “very early” with regards to a move to West Ham, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported in his Daily Briefing Substack column on 13 March that the Irons have “not started any concrete talks at this stage” and the striker is still 100% focused on the Gunners.
However, if Mikel Arteta’s side were to sign a new forward again that position could change for the 24-year-old.
West Ham were said to be near the front of the queue to sign the Englishman in the summer [The Sun, 23 June] but ultimately the club failed to sign a striker.
West Ham not in concrete talks to sign Emirates striker
There is no doubt that Nketiah is a talented player but given he has never scored more than five goals yet in a league campaign he is unlikely to be the answer to the Irons’ needs on his own.
Although Mohammed Kudus’ arrival helped mask the situation the failure to replace Gianluca Scamacca in the summer has proven to be an issue at times this season, even as Jarrod Bowen has stepped up again.
Michail Antonio’s form in front of goal has tailed off badly this season, with just two, and the 33-year-old’s long-term future seems unlikely to be at the London Stadium.
Danny Ings suddenly looked a threat against former side Burnley as West Ham scraped a draw at the weekend, but the 31-year-old’s goal was only his first in the Premier League this season and David Moyes doesn’t seem overly convinced having only given him opportunities in scraps.
He could feasibly leave before too long as well, while Divin Mubama has turned down contract offers and may also be on his way out.
A European agent has indicated he is trying to get his client to the London Stadium after the Euros in the summer, so multiple forwards potentially headed for the exit there could be a number of new arrivals required.
For the right money Nketiah might be a useful addition but it doesn’t sound like anything is close at this stage.
In other West Ham, the Hammers are at risk of breaching the proposed new Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.