Bristol City have reportedly identified Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah as their top transfer target and are no longer interested in signing either Middlesbrough's Britt Assombalonga or Aston Villa's Scott Hogan.
Lee Johnson has hinted that he would like to sign at least one more attacking player before the transfer window closes on the 8th of August.
According to the Bristol Post, top of that list is Nketiah, who has emerged as the Robins’ top target.
It is understood that Johnson is a great admirer of the 19-year-old and has discussed his regard for the player multiple times behind the scenes at the club.
However, the Englishman has performed so well in Arsenal’s pre-season fixtures, scoring three times in two games, that Gunners boss Unai Emery has suggested he wants to keep the striker at the club this season.
The teenager has indicated he is open to a loan move and that he wants to play regularly, which means the Robins could have a chance.
It may mean that if Arsenal sign one of their striking targets, with Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and Gremio’s Everton Soares both linked, Nketiah will be available.
The Bristol Post has also claimed that City are no longer pursuing either Assombalona or Hogan, as their wages are too high, while deals for Sheffield Wednesday’s Lucas Joao and West Ham United’s Jordan Hugill could also be a struggle due to financial issues.
The club are understood to retain their interest in Barnsley target man Keiffer Moore.
The Verdict
It appears that the success of the South West side’s pursuit of Nketiah could hinge on who the Gunners sign this summer.
The 19-year-old would be an excellent addition to Johnson’s squad, as his pace and skilful dribbling ability would offer the City coach with a different option to the forwards already at his disposal.
City’s search for more firepower this summer is understandable after their goalscoring struggles last season.
Despite finishing just two points off the play-off spots, the Robins scored 10 goals fewer than any team in the top six and 34 fewer than league winners Norwich City.
Famara Diedhiou top scored with 13, meaning 2018/19 was the first season in which a City striker did not score 19 or more goals since they returned to the Championship in 2015.