Arsenal could attempt to launch a late summer swoop for Eberechi Eze if Crystal Palace's reported interest in Eddie Nketiah accelerates before the August 30 deadline. The Gunners are willing to offload Nketiah for the right price as Mikel Arteta eyes a third signing of the transfer window, but a suitable offer has yet to arrive.
Marseille appeared primed to seal the 25-year-old striker's signature earlier this month before reportedly withdrawing from the frame due to his £25.5million price tag.
Bournemouth have also been linked with a move after selling Dominic Solanke to Tottenham Hotspur but on Thursday agreed a club-record £40m deal to sign Porto striker Evanilson.
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On the eve of the Premier League season, it has left Nketiah's future in limbo, despite Arteta's assurance that he will have a role to play if he remains a part of his squad.
"All the players that are here, that's the biggest chance that they'll stay with us. That's why they're here," the Spaniard said after Nketiah was an unused substitute in Arsenal's 2-0 win against Lyon last week.
But Arsenal are expected to cash in if the opportunity arises, and Crystal Palace are reportedly circling Nketiah as Oliver Glasner explores attacking firepower.
According to Sky Sports, the Eagles are assessing the conditions of a potential deal as they seek to replace the goals and assists of Michael Olise.
The 22-year-old winger joined Bayern Munich for a fee in the region of £50m earlier this summer, leaving a void in Palace's frontline.
If Palace's interest in Nketiah snowballs in the coming days, Arsenal wouldn't be wrong to make an opportunistic attempt to include Eze in a part swap agreement.
Eze was among the Premier League's most exciting attackers last season, registering 11 goals and four assists in 24 Premier League starts.
The 26-year-old had been strongly linked with Manchester City, but the champions' interest didn't advance. Arsenal could land an early blow to their title rivals by luring him to the Emirates Stadium.
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Arteta possesses strength in depth on the wing, with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson all to pick from.
But Eze would elevate his options not just out wide but also centrally alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
Whether Palace would sanction the England international's departure as part of a deal for Nketiah remains to be seen after losing such an influential player in Olise.
But as unlikely as that outcome is, Arsenal could produce a masterclass in the market to further boost optimism among supporters ahead of another title challenge.
