Arsenal forward to partner Mason Greenwood as Marseille strike duo next season?

Marseille have reportedly approached Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah about the possibility of bringing him to Ligue 1 ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The news comes just a day after Les Phoceens were reported to have been finalising terms on a deal to acquire Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood.

Despite not starting a Premier League match since December, Nketiah was a regular presence for the Gunners last season, scoring six goals in 37 matches across all competitions.

The 25-year-old had a period in Arsenal’s starting lineup during the early stages of the season which led to him earning his first England cap.

Arsenal are expected to bolster their squad with a new midfielder and striker this summer, with the Englishman believed to be among the players available for sale to generate funds for potential new acquisitions.

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Marseille approach Nketiah over summer signing

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Marseille are among the clubs interested in the services of Nketiah and have already made contact with him regarding a potential transfer this summer.

The report adds that the 25-year-old attacker is interested in the possibility of a move away from the Emirates Stadium this offseason in search of a regular starting role.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that the Gunners are yet to confirm a final price tag for the striker, but are willing to consider offers to let him depart this summer.

Nketiah was linked with a possible move to Crystal Palace during the summer of 2022 but was offered a new contract by Mikel Arteta, which runs until the end of the 2026-27 season.

He broke into the Arsenal first team in 2017 and has made 168 appearances for the Gunners since then, scoring 38 goals in the process.

Arsenal and Marseille have had a fruitful business relationship in recent seasons, with the Gunners sending William Saliba to Stade Velodrome on loan during the 2021-22 campaign before the defender returned to establish himself in North London.

Under the management of Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille are eager to recruit several new players this offseason following a disappointing league campaign that resulted in them failing to qualify for European competition.

It will be interesting to see if the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss, who is understood to be an admirer of Nketiah, makes a formal offer for the striker in the coming days.

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Nketiah to join Greenwood in Ligue 1?

In addition to Nketiah, progress is being made on a deal for Greenwood, with Marseille reportedly agreeing to a fee of around £26m with the Red Devils for the striker’s signature.

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Getafe and has garnered significant interest this summer from several top teams, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Lazio and Juventus.

De Zerbi praised Greenwood, referring to him as a ‘world-class player’ when discussing the transfer speculation with the media, but it seems that many followers of the club are not pleased with the move for the United attacker.

Among those who are understood to have expressed their concerns is local mayor Benoit Payan, who has urged club chief executive Pablo Longoria to reconsider the deal.

Payan’s comments about the player come after a number of Marseille fans protested against the club’s reported pursuit, with some using the #GreenwoodNotWelcome hashtag on social media.

Greenwood was dropped from the Man Utd squad after being arrested in January 2022 on charges of attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Subsequently, all charges against him were dropped when key witnesses withdrew their cooperation, though a return to Old Trafford for the striker has remained unlikely.

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