Pundit shocked by Arsenal asking price for star player this summer

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Pundit Simon Jordan has expressed his astonishment upon hearing that Arsenal are seeking £50 million for Eddie Nketiah this summer. 

Nketiah, who has a contract with the Gunners until 2027, faces an uncertain future at the club. Despite coming through Arsenal’s academy after leaving Chelsea’s youth team at 14, his position in Mikel Arteta’s squad remains precarious.

Nketiah managed six goals in 37 appearances last season but is currently on the fringes of the first team.  TalkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook discussed the situation on the show “White and Jordan,” suggesting that Arsenal might be open to selling the striker if they secure a new No. 9.

“A player who I think Arsenal would be willing to sell if they bring in their own No.9,” Crook explained. “But I’ve been told the price tag that Arsenal expect to recoup for Eddie Nketiah is £50m, so I wonder if that might put off some potential suitors. 

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“He’s also got a contract worth in excess of £100,000-a-week. I know Crystal Palace, Simon’s old club, historically have been keen on Nketiah. You’ve got the likes of West Ham, Everton, and Southampton all looking to bolster their striker ranks, but I just wonder if that £50m asking price might be a bit rich for some.”

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan was taken aback by the valuation. “Ultimately, if you want to get £40 million, you’re better off asking for £50 million,” he said. 

“But is he worth £50 million? Pfft, you’ve got to be joking, haven’t you? There’s one thing paying for old rope, but this is… you’re stretching a bit far. He’s not a £50m footballer. I mean, he’s lucky to be a £30m footballer and on £100,000-a-week!”

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Co-host Jim White pointed to Manchester City’s £100 million acquisition of Jack Grealish, questioning its worth. Jordan replied: “No, he’s not. But he is because Aston Villa were clever enough to put a release clause in there and Man City have got more money than God. 

“He goes to play in an elite side, and I think comparing Grealish to Eddie Nketiah is probably a false paradise because do we question the validity of Pep Guardiola’s thinking? We’ve got a unique manager who has produced a unique side that’s dominating English football, he thinks Jack Grealish is worth the money. 

“Whereas I think most objective observers, perhaps except Eddie Nketiah’s family themselves, would suggest that he’s not worth £50m.”

One of Arsenal’s priorities this summer is believed to be signing a new centre-forward, which further complicates Nketiah’s prospects at the Emirates.

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