West Ham and Crystal Palace appear ready to battle in what could be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer.
Both clubs are looking for a new striker on the market. West Ham let Sebastien Haller go in January and has yet to replace his record signing. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, faces a mass exodus from the club. A total of 11 players are out of contract and most appear to be moving on.
In their search for a new offensive momentum, both have focused on an Arsenal forward that the Gunners have put up for sale.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles and Hammers remain one of the many clubs interested in signing Eddie Nketiah.
The respected transfer news source tweeted that both parties are in dispute. Bayer Leverkusen and another unidentified Premier League club are also on the hunt.
Palace were reported entering the scene last month. This was before they knew of Arsenal’s stance on Nketiah.
The North London club has put the 22-year-old on the transfer list after succumbing to his desire to leave the Emirates.
West Ham and Leverkusen have long been linked with England’s under-21 record scorer. They seem to be the main contenders.
The only unnamed team left could be Watford. The Hornets were named as stakeholder after his promotion back to the top flight the first time he applied for it.
The palace could have a trump card
Palace appears to be behind in the race according to recent reports. However, they may have settled into pole position after reports touted them as interested over the weekend.
They announced the appointment of Patrick Vieira as their new coach on Sunday. The former Arsenal midfielder has signed a three-year contract.
The Frenchman made 279 appearances for the Gunners between 1996 and 2005. He is widely regarded as a club legend.
His ties to the club could allow him to beat David Moyes in the race for the signing of Nketiah.
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