Crystal Palace make late offer for Arsenal striker

Crystal Palace have entered the race to sign Arsenal's striker Eddie Nketiah at the last minute, after the striker appeared to be all set to join Premier League side Nottingham Forest before the end of the transfer window. Nketiah had been present on Arsenal's substitutes bench during last weekend's 2-0 win over Aston Villa, and manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that players may leave the Emirates before the transfer window slams shut.

Eddie Nketiah appears to be close to agreeing personal terms with Forest, but Arsenal are yet to make an arrangement with Forest. The Gunners had been pushing for £30 million, some way off of Forest's valuation of £25 million. Palace on the other hand are ready to pay £30 million and can guarantee Nketiah first-team football.

It is understood that the departure of Nketiah will free up a position in Arsenal's squad to sign an undisclosed forward that will be announced before the transfer window closes. Mikel Arteta wants a backup for Kai Havertz and the injury prone Gabriel Jesus.