Everton join race to sign ‘top draw’ Arsenal star rejected by Bournemouth

Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign ‘top draw’ Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah after AFC Bournemouth turned down the chance to sign him.

Bournemouth were considering a move for Nketiah after they sold Dominic Solanke to Tottenham but instead signed Evanilson in a club-record deal.

Since the Cherries snubbed Nketiah, the struggling star has been linked to Nottingham Forest, while Crystal Palace are still thought to be looking at him.

Everton have now become the latest club to join the race, according to Football Insider, with the Toffees hoping to sign Nketiah on loan for the 2024-25 season.

Nketiah has three years left on his Arsenal contract and it is thought he wants to secure regular first-team football.

The 25-year-old has produced just 38 goals across 168 games for Arsenal to date and has never been able to truly cement his place in the Gunners XI.

Speaking last season, Tim Sherwood lauded Nketiah after he scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United and insisted he was good enough to play in any team.

‘I feel sorry for Eddie Nketiah, because people [in general] and Arsenal fans, no matter who it is, they are always asking questions about him and looking what he can’t do,’ Sherwood told Sky Sports.

‘I like to look at what he can do. He can play in a lot of teams. A lot of big teams. You’re telling me this boy couldn’t play for Man United at the moment instead of Rasmus Hojlund?

‘He’s an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund. [United] spent an awful lot of money on him.

‘For me, Eddie Nketiah is top draw. I think he warrants playing for Arsenal at the top of the Premier League.

‘Gabriel Jesus has [not] helped him out massively as well. They’re always looking for something else and I think we should appreciate what we’ve got in front of our nose.

‘That boy has come through the academy… I cannot speak highly enough of him.’