Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal is the striker Nottingham Forest is most interested in signing in order to bolster their offensive line.

Earlier in the summer, Nketiah and Marseille reached a personal terms agreement, but the two teams couldn’t agree on a transfer fee for the 25-year-old.

Because of this, Forest has increased their interest, and the east Midlands team’s initial offer—which was worth £25 million with add-ons—was turned down.

However, conversations between the Premier League rivals are still ongoing, and Forest is still in communication with Nketiah’s agents.

Arsenal’s youth graduate, who is under contract until June 2027, is anticipated to draw interest from bidders for a sum in the range of £30-35 million.

Although they are not now in conversation to the same degree as Forest, Crystal Palace has long had admiration for Arsenal and has spoken with them.

The two-time European champions have also considered a move for Santiago Gimenez of Feyenoord, but Nketiah is currently their top target, and they are committed to obtaining his services.

At the City Ground, there is a perception that Nketiah would blend in well with the homegrown core that consists of Neco Williams, Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Morgan Gibbs-White.

In 168 Arsenal games, he has scored 38 goals, including five in 19 while on loan at Leeds United. He has also been captained by England once.

The Premier League season that Forest is starting for the third time in a row began with a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

Nketiah did not play in Saturday’s 2-0 triumph of Arsenal over Wolverhampton Wanderers.