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Arsenal desperate to tie Eddie Nketiah down to new contract with talks progressing over shock new long-term deal
ARSENAL are fighting desperately to keep Eddie Nketiah at the club, according to reports.
The 22-year-old striker looked almost certain to be moving on this summer with his contract up.
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But he has forced his way into the starting XI in recent weeks at the expense of Alexandre Lacazette.
And that faith has been repaid as Nketiah has scored four goals in his last five games.
According to, the Gunners are "pulling out all the stops" in a bid to convince the young forward that his career lies at the Emirates.
Nketiah has held more talks with Arsenal, with Arteta said to be "desperate to hang on to the forward".
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But there are plenty of clubs waiting in the wings, with SIX Premier League sides ready to make their move.
Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brighton and Newcastle are four of the six interested.
There is also interest from Germany.
Regardless of whether they lose Nketiah, Arsenal are set to turn their attention to Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez.
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The 24-year-old has bagged 23 goals this season and was a rumoured target for the Gunners.
Arsenal had been eager to sign Martinez last year but failed in their efforts to recruit him on a £275,000-a-week deal.
In an attempt to ward off any attention, Inter handed Martinez a new long-term deal back in October, keeping him at the club until 2026.
And despite the Gunners reigniting their interest in the Argentinian international's services earlier this month, his agent Alejando Camano has insisted he will NOT be quitting the club this summer.
He stated Martinez is "happy" at Inter and focused on trying to help the club retain their Serie A crown, before switching his attention to the World Cup.
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