Arsenal want to sell England striker Eddie Nketiah to Marseille, Chris Smalling wants to leave Roma – Paper Round

Arsenal are now ready to sell Eddie Nketiah as they close in on a deal worth £25 million.

The English striker is set to join Marseille on loan before making a permanent move, reports The Sun.

“The Gunners are negotiating a season-long loan with the French giants with an obligatory transfer fee of around £25 million.

“Marseille are yet to agree to these terms, with talks ongoing – after an initial offer of around £17 million was made for the player last month. Personal terms for a five-year contract are said to already be agreed.

“Marseille manager and former Brighton head coach Roberto De Zerbi is a fan of Hale End Academy player Nketiah, 25, who wants more playing time after starting just 10 times in the Premier League last season.”

According to the Mirror, Chris Smalling is now ready to consider a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The former Manchester United player also wants to stay in Europe and is willing to lower his salary demands in order to stay in a top league.

“Smalling, however, has not attracted much interest so far. The former Fulham star has had to reassess his expectations ahead of what could be the last move of his career.

“Agent James Featherstone is said to have met with his client as Roma considers removing Smalling’s salary from their books.

“Smalling has been hesitant to consider a move to the Middle East. The centre-back has instead preferred to plan his future in Europe, where he believes he can still play an important role.

“The salary may not be an issue for Saudi suitors, but appears to have dampened interest in Europe. Smalling is now reportedly open to offers from anywhere, but is also willing to lower his salary demands to stay on the continent.”

James Rodriguesz is without a club after leaving Sao Paulo and is looking for a new challenge.

According to The Athletic, Rayo Vallecano is considering a move, and Valencia is also said to be interested.

“The 33-year-old recently terminated his contract with Brazilian club Sao Paulo and is now a free agent.

“There is interest from Madrid-based team Rayo Vallecano and Valencia was rumoured to be another next stop.”

Crystal Palace will have to match Wilfried Zaha’s salary at Galatasaray if they want to bring him back.

The winger left Palace on a free transfer last summer but is open to a return.

“Standard Sport has learned that Zaha earns around £170,000 a week at the Turkish champions and that they are willing to sell him to Palace if financial terms are agreed.

“The Ivorian expects to earn the same when he returns to Selhurst Park, with Galatasaray aiming for a transfer fee of £9m to cover his wages.

“Zaha turned down a contract offer that would have paid the club a record £200,000-a-week towards the end of the 2022/23 season, after which he joined Galatasaray from Palace as a free agent. Lazio, Al-Nassr and Fenerbahce also offered him free agent transfers at the time.”