talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan was left astounded when he heard Arsenal want £50million for Eddie Nketiah this summer.
The striker currently has a contract running until 2027 but faces an uncertain future with the Gunners.
Nketiah scored six goals in 37 appearances last season and has been on the club since 2015 when he joined their acadmey.
Nonetheless, with the 25-year-old on the fringes of Mikel Arteta’s squad, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook spoke on White and Jordan about Arsenal potentially selling him.
“A player who I believe Arsenal could be willing to sell if they bring about in their very own No.9,” he said.
“But I have been told the value tag that Arsenal expect to recoup for Eddie Nketiah is £50m, so I’m wondering if that may postpone some potential suitors.
“He’s also got a contract value in excess of £100,000-a-week, I do know Crystal Palace, Simon’s old club, historically have been keen on Nketiah.
“You’ve got got the likes of West Ham and Everton, Southampton all seeking to bolster their striker ranks, but I just wonder if that £50m asking price may be a bit wealthy for some.”
Despite Nketiah’s experience and quality, former Crystal Palace owner Jordan was shocked with the valuation.
“Ultimately if you must get £40million, you are higher off asking for £50million,” he said. “But is he value £50million? Pfft, you’ve got got to be joking have not you?
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“There’s one thing paying for old rope but that is… you are stretching a bit far. He is not a £50m footballer, I mean, he’s lucky to be a £30m footballer and on £100,000-a-week!”
“We have said this prior to now, is Jack Grealish a £100million footballer?” asked Jim White, but Jordan responded: “No, not he is not. But he’s because Aston Villa were clever enough to place a release clause in there and Man City have gotten more cash than God.
“He goes to play in an elite side and I believe comparing Grealish to Eddie Nketiah might be a false paradise because will we query the validity of Pep Guardiola’s considering?
“We have a novel manager who has produced a novel side that is dominating English football, he thinks Jack Grealish is well worth the money.
“Whereas I believe most objective observers, perhaps except Eddie Nketiah’s family themselves, would suggest that he is not value £50m.”
Considered one of Arsenal’s priorities this summer is believed to be signing a brand new centre-forward.
Benjamin Sesko emerged as a goal for the north London side but he opted to commit his future to RB Leipzig by signing a brand new contract.
