Marseille Submits Improved Bid for Player Compared to Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry

Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille is making a serious push to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal, having presented an improved bid to acquire the striker.

Marseille’s latest offer for Nketiah is valued at £16.8 million.

This bid, while similar in value to their previous one, is structured in a way that aligns more closely with Arsenal’s financial requirements for the player.

Despite this, the Gunners are expected to reject the offer as it still falls short of their valuation for Nketiah.

Journalist Santi Aouna recently reported Marseille’s initial bid, which was deemed insufficient, prompting the French club to return with an improved proposal.

Nketiah, who has made 168 appearances and scored 38 goals for Arsenal, also won the FA Cup in 2020.

His performances have drawn comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Personal Terms Agreed

Now 25, Nketiah is targeted by Marseille, who have recently signed Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Tottenham Hotspur and Mason Greenwood from Manchester United.

According to HITC, Nketiah has agreed to personal terms with Marseille, but the transfer fee remains a point of contention.

The Athletic reports that Marseille has now offered €20 million (£17 million) to secure Nketiah.

In an effort to encourage the move, a Marseille player asked Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to persuade his former Arsenal teammate. Aubameyang responded with “déjà fait,” meaning “already done.”

Despite transferring to Al-Qadsiah this summer, Aubameyang continues to support Marseille and believes Nketiah would thrive at the Ligue 1 club.

Marseille has already agreed on personal terms with Nketiah, offering him a five-year contract.

The English striker is attracted by Marseille’s sporting project and is eager to join the club.

Should an agreement between the clubs be reached, Nketiah will follow Emile Smith Rowe as another major Arsenal departure this summer.

Arsenal Plans After Nketiah Departure

Arsenal, keen to bring in a new striker during this transfer window, views the potential sale of Nketiah as an opportunity to free up space in their squad and wage bill.

Nketiah, who has found himself behind Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the pecking order, is looking for more playing time.

Joining Marseille would provide him with the chance to become the first-choice striker at Stade Velodrome.