If West Ham United can sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer, then it would represent ‘a smart piece of business’, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 22-year-old is expected to depart the Emirates Stadium on a free transfer over the coming months after refusing to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

What is the latest news involving Nketiah?

Arsenal turned down an approach from Crystal Palace for Nketiah last August as they refused to meet their £20 million asking price.

According to Sky Sports, the Eagles once again tried their luck for the former England Under-21 international in January but saw their efforts rebuffed, with Mikel Arteta insisting he stayed in north London.

Despite Arteta’s insistence that Nketiah stays at the Emirates Stadium, though, he has continually refused to commit his long-term future to the club.

Concerns over his playing time are believed to be the reason behind Nketiah’s decision, but he recently revealed that he’s set to delay any decision over a new contract until the end of the season.

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“There have been offers of a new contract, but at the moment, my aim is to play football and play regularly. That’s my ambition, and that’s what I hope to do, but at the same time I’m at Arsenal, I love Arsenal,” he said on the Beautiful Game Podcast.

“I’m just trying to focus on the season until May and make sure I finish that in a good way and then sit down and see what I think is the best opportunity to allow me to take those steps and develop.”

What has O’Rourke said about Nketiah?

O’Rourke believes signing Nketiah would represent an astute acquisition for West Ham, who have ‘needed a striker for the last couple of windows’.  

He told GiveMeSport: “We all know West Ham need a striker; they’ve needed a striker for the last couple of windows and not been able to bring one in.

“So, I think if they could get somebody like Nketiah, who is a free agent this summer, I think it'd be a smart piece of business.”

Would Nketiah be a good signing?

West Ham have relied almost solely upon Michail Antonio to lead the line since Sebastien Haller departed the London Stadium in January 2021.

And Nketiah has showcased his true potential as a Premier League striker in recent weeks after being handed a regular starting berth by Arteta.

The youngster has started six consecutive top-flight fixtures, scoring four goals, taking his senior tally up to 27, and firing Arsenal to within touching distance of a top-four finish.

Signing Nketiah for free would surely represent good business for West Ham, therefore, allowing David Moyes to strengthen other areas of his squad as well.