Ex-Arsenal striker Alan Smith thinks his former club could sell Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah for £60m.
Nelson is believed to have requested a transfer already, while Nketiah’s lack of game time last season means he could be open to moving teams as well. Speaking to Lord Ping about the future of the pair, Smith said:
“I don’t know who the Arsenal fans are thinking of in regards to being critical of the amount of money the club generates from player sales. Reiss Nelson, maybe in the current market he’s £20 million, I don’t know. The market’s mad, isn’t it? £15 or £20 million is what is being mooted.”
“With Nketiah, I think Arsenal could expect a little bit more, because he’s got a bit more experience and has a phenomenal record at international youth level for England. Any player that’s got a good habit of putting the ball in the net is always going to command a bigger fee, so Arsenal could be looking at £30 or £40 million for him. Arsenal will be hoping to get the best price, which is half the battle, especially if other clubs know that you’re looking to sell, but the money coming in will allow them up to spend elsewhere.”
Nelson already has a few suitors
Reports over the last few days have claimed that the likes of West Ham, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest are pursuing the winger‘s signature.
As Smith mentions, it is believed that the Gunners would accept a fee in the region of £20m (including add-ons) for Nelson so we shall see which team meets the asking price.
Nketiah’s future is far less certain
At the moment, there is no concrete interest in the striker, and it is possible that clubs are being put off by Arsenal’s demands. It’s likely that the club want at least £30m.
They offloaded Folarin Balogun to Monaco for a similar figure last summer and many believe that Nketiah is a superior talent. A move may have to wait until later in the transfer window.
