Crystal Palace has successfully signed striker Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal on a five-year deal.
The 25-year-old forward expressed his excitement in an interview with the club’s website, saying, “It’s amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I’m excited to get going. Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.”
Nketiah, an England international, began his journey in Chelsea’s youth academy before moving to Arsenal at 14. He quickly rose through the ranks, making headlines with an astonishing 39 goals in 39 games for Arsenal’s Under-18 team.
His exceptional form earned him a spot in Arsenal’s first team, where he scored twice in just his second senior appearance.
During his time at Arsenal, Nketiah lifted the FA Cup in the 2019/20 season. In October 2020, he became England’s all-time top scorer at the Under-21 level, with 16 goals in 17 appearances. Last October, he made his senior debut for England in a match against Australia.
Nketiah departs Arsenal with a record of 38 goals in 168 appearances, averaging nearly a goal every 180 minutes. He also achieved his first Premier League hat-trick last season against Sheffield United.
Nketiah is Crystal Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, joining Chadi Riad, Daichi Kamada, Ismaïla Sarr, and Maxence Lacroix. He will don the No. 9 shirt for the Eagles.
Interestingly, Nketiah is still eligible to represent Ghana’s national team, the Black Stars, despite his appearances for England.