Arsenal’s reluctance to budge from their demands for Eddie Nketiah may have backfired.
The Gunners striker has been the subject to multiple bids from French giants Marseille with Roberto De Zerbi a huge admirer of the 25-year-old.
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It is understood that the centre-forward would be willing to make the move to the Stade Velodrome in his quest to play regular first team football.
Marseille had lodged a £17million offer for Nketiah last month, which was immediately rebuffed by the north London giants.
And on Friday, an improved offer of £23m was knocked back by Mikel Arteta’s men.
According to transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are adamant they will only only entertain offers in excess of £30m.
The Italian reporter has also stated that the Premier League title contenders will insist on a sell-on clause in any deal for the one-cap England international.
Having stated that Marseille would now look at new options as they mull over making a third offer, Romano then stated the Ligue 1 outfit are closing in on another forward.
It has been said that Marseille are set to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko on an initial loan transfer.
The deal is claimed to include a buy option, with the 19-year-old agreeing terms with the nine-time French champions.
What Moukoko’s arrival at Marseille means for their pursuit of Nketiah remains to be seen.
But they have already brought in versatile forward Mason Greenwood from Manchester United to bolster their attack.
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Ex-Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who spent last season at Marseille, has revealed he has urged his former teammate to make the switch across the English Channel.
A fan asked the Gabon international on social media to ‘tell Nketiah to come to Marseille’.
To which the 2020 FA Cup winner simply said: “Already done.”
Nketiah could be one of many Hale End graduates from Arsenal’s academy to be sold this summer.
On Friday, Emile Smith Rowe’s £34million transfer to Fulham was confirmed after the midfielder was restricted to just three Premier League starts in the last two years.
Meanwhile winger Reiss Nelson also faces an uncertain future as he too looks to be a regular starter.
And Arsenal have already seen academy starlet Chido Obi-Martin leave London Colney, with Manchester United closing in on the signing of the 16-year-old striker.