Crystal Palace could retain an interest in Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah after their efforts to secure his signature over the summer were rebuffed, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

What's the story?

The Eagles were first linked with the 22-year-old in the previous transfer window when The Athletic claimed that Palace were willing to pay £10m for the youngster, but a deal couldn’t be agreed between the two clubs as the Gunners were holding out for a £20m fee.

Now though, with the January window fast approaching, Barclay believes the south London outfit could try their luck again as new manager Patrick Vieira looks to add further reinforcements to his forward line.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "There was big interest in Nketiah in the summer, he's out of contract next summer.

"But he's 22, which means he's under 24 so Arsenal would be due some compensation, so it wouldn't be a free transfer. I wouldn't be surprised if they retained interest in Nketiah, though."

Crystal Palace need him

A recent report by TransferMarketWeb claimed the former England U21 international could be available for as little as €12m (£10m) this winter due to his contract situation, a fee that could prove to be an absolute bargain in years to come.

He was dubbed “so incredibly prolific” by football scout Jacek Kulig after a string of impressive performances for Arsenal that has seen him rack up a combined haul of 16 goals and assists. Sadly, Nketiah has found opportunities hard to come by in recent months.

After receiving just 173 minutes of first-team action this term - all coming in the Carabao Cup - Nketiah has made his desire to depart north London known to Mikel Arteta, meaning an imminent exit could be on the cards.

With Christian Beneteke set to turn 31 next month, and loanee Jean-Philippe Mateta expected to return to his parent club early, Vieira and Palace will need extra attacker options over the coming months, and Nketiah could be the ideal solution.

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