West Ham United reportedly lack the financial means to acquire Eddie Nketiah in January. Former England and Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, questioned whether the Arsenal striker, deemed “unproven,” is the right fit for the Hammers.
As per Football Insider’s revelation on December 24, Arsenal is reluctant to part with Nketiah and would entertain a potential transfer only for a fee in the vicinity of £40 million. While Crystal Palace inquired about Nketiah, Arsenal rejected the approach, but the situation might evolve in the ongoing transfer window.
Natural winger Jarrod Bowen has adeptly assumed the central striker role in Michail Antonio’s absence at the London Stadium. However, Football Insider disclosed earlier this month (December 15) that acquiring a striker is West Ham’s primary focus for January.
Nketiah has contributed five goals in the Premier League this season but returned to the bench with Gabriel Jesus’ comeback from injury. Robinson asserts that West Ham’s existing attacking talent, featuring Mohamed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and Lucas Paqueta, is formidable, cautioning against a costly pursuit of Nketiah.
Robinson stated in his Football Insider interview, “I can’t see Arsenal wanting to do a deal for Nketiah in January. I don’t see West Ham having the funds to do that.”
“Look at how much money they got for Declan Rice and how they spent it. With Mohamed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta – their front four is excellent in attack.”
While acknowledging the potential need for a consistent goal-scorer, Robinson questions whether Nketiah is the solution, especially considering the significant financial investment required.
“If you’re going to pay the price you’d have to pay Arsenal, which I don’t think they have the money to do, but if you’re going to pay it then you need to provide the goals. With Nketiah, that is unproven.”