Eddie Nketiah stands firm on £120k-a-week wage demands in negotiations with Nottingham Forest

Eddie Nketiah is standing firm on his decision not to accept a reduction in his £120k-a-week salary at Arsenal, even as discussions progress with Nottingham Forest over a potential transfer.

Nketiah was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s opening day win over Wolves on Saturday and they are keen to offload the striker in the summer transfer window.

He came close to joining French side Marseille – but the deal fell through – andNketiah was linked to Crystal Palace before they abandoned club-to-club talks.

AFC Bournemouth were reportedly considering Nketiah as a Dominic Solanke replacement but that interest didn’t last long as they quickly signed Evanilson.

Some outlets claim Everton want Nketiah – but the Toffees would only take him on loan – which is no good for the north Londoners, who prefer a permanent sale.

Nottingham Forest appears to be the last club left standing but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are thought to be considering Santiago Gimenez as a second option.

It has now emerged via talkSPORT that Nketiah is not willing to take a pay cut on his £120k-a-week wages, in a fresh blow to Arsenal’s hopes of getting rid of him.

Nketiah is under contract with Arsenal until 2027 but he is keen to secure more regular playing time having never truly cemented a spot in the Gunners’ XI.

Forest remains the most likely destination for Nketiah – and Arsenal have received somewhat of a boost in that regard – with both clubs still very much negotiating.

That’s because Gimenez, the other striker Forest are taking a look at, has reportedly snubbed a switch to the City Ground and wants to stay at Feyenoord.

If those reports from the Netherlands turn out to be true, then Forest are likely to go all-out to sign Nketiah from Arsenal.

According to The Athletic, Forest are ‘hopeful’ of competing a deal for Nketiah, despite their opening bid of £25m plus add-ons being rejected.

Arsenal value the Hale End academy graduate at £30m – so it does not seem that an agreement is too far off – but Forest must then offer to pay his large wages.