Arsenal reject Nottingham Forest bid for Eddie Nketiah

Nottingham Forest are planning a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah after identifying the England international as one of their prime transfer targets, according to a report.

The 25-year-old agreed personal terms with Ligue 1 club Marseille earlier in the summer but the French side were unable to convince the Gunners to accept an offer below their desired £30m asking price.

The Athletic now report Forest have made Nketiah 'their top target to strengthen in attack' and have seen a £25m bid including add-ons rejected by Arsenal. Negotiations are said to be ongoing, while Nketiah's agents are working on personal terms with Nuno Espirito Santo's outfit.

Nketiah was an unused substitute during Arsenal's opening Premier League fixture of the season, a 2-0 win over Wolves powered by goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.

The former Leeds United loanee scored six goals in all competitions last season and made his England debut during a 1-0 victory over Australia in October.

However, his game time has been limited due to Havertz's exceptional form over the last six months, while Gabriel Jesus is also fit again and ready to contribute to Mikel Arteta's project after his 2023/24 term was disrupted by an injury.

Forest, meanwhile, drew their first game of the 2023/24 campaign, with striker Chris Wood netting in the 23rd minute. Taiwo Awoniyi, who moved to Nottingham in 2022 for a then club-record £17m, is also an option for Santo at the City Ground.

The report adds Forest feel Nketiah could fit in well alongside young British stars like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams and summer signing Elliot Anderson.

Nikola Milenkovic, Jota Silva and Carlos Miguel have also arrived in the East Midlands during the transfer window.

READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS & GOSSIP FROM AROUND THE WORLD