Arsenal striker hunt could mean another big deal with West Ham United: report

Mikel Arteta gestures during Arsenal's win over Brentford in March 2024.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal may be about to deal with West Ham United once more, as their search for a striker continues.

The Gunners are through to the next round of the Champions League and going strongly in the Premier League, having been free-scoring since the turn of the year – but that hasn't stopped them being linked with a new striker.

And having signed Declan Rice from West Ham last summer, Arsenal might find themselves dealing with the Irons again, as a consequence of this search. 

West Ham interest in Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah 'one to watch'

David Moyes, Manager of West Ham United, reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on February 04, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

West Ham want Eddie Nketiah, according to reports (Image credit: Getty Images)

West Ham look set to return to some unfinished transfer business this summer with a renewed bid to prise Eddie Nketiah away from Arsenal. The Hammers were reported to be interested in the centre-forward last year, but were unable to present a satisfactory deal to the Gunners.

However, journalist Fabrizio Romano that a potential deal remains ‘one to watch’, as relayed by West Ham Zone

The Italian adds that it’s still ‘very early’ to be any more definitive than that, but it would make sense if Arsenal were to follow through on the persistent rumours that they want to add another striker to their squad this summer.

Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League match between Arsenal FC and PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2023 in London, England.

Eddie Nketiah is struggling for game time at Arsenal (Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Nketiah has found himself increasingly appearing as a bit-part player since making an excellent start to the current Premier League season, claiming two goals and an assist in the first three games of the campaign and scoring a hat-trick in a five-goal win over table propper-uppers Sheffield United.

The 24-year-old academy graduate has not started for Mikel Arteta’s side since their 2-1 defeat to Fulham on New Year’s Eve. Arsenal have only gone from strength to free-scoring strength in Nketiah’s absence from the starting line-up, scoring a remarkable 33 goals on their way to claiming eight straight league wins and rising to the top of the table.

The suggestion now is that Nketiah’s marginalisation could open the door for him to depart in search of more regular football elsewhere, with West Ham’s interest already well-established.

Arsenal sporting director Edu watches the Gunners in action against Bournemouth in August 2022.

Arsenal sporting director Edu is looking for a new striker, according to reports (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sporting director Edu told TNT Sports last month: "I understand why the fans are asking for [a striker], but we already have our targets planned, we know what we’re going to face.

“I’d be worried if we weren’t scoring goals or creating chances but we are doing that right now.

“The plan is to try and get better every year, we’re at a good moment right now and so it’s about improving step by step.”

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Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.