Ghanaian striker Eddie Nketiah has turned down Arsenal‘s latest offer of a new contract despite manager Mikel Arteta wanting him to stay at the club.
Arsenal have refused to concede defeat in their attempts to keep Nketiah, whose existing contract expires next summer.
Mikel Arteta has spoken publicly about his hopes to keep the 22-year-old and that has been firmed up by Arsenal’s fresh bid to resolve his long-term future.
However the striker’s priority is to play regular football rather than secure improved terms, and an exit currently remains the most likely outcome.
Sportsmail reported earlier this month how Nketiah had informed Arsenal he wants to leave the club after Arteta reiterated his desire to keep him.
And the situation leaves Arsenal facing the prospect of losing him for nothing.
Nketiah turns 23 in May and would be able to make a cross-borders transfer after that age which would leave Arsenal entitled to no compensation.
German side Borussia Monchengladbach are among his admirers and Nketiah is free to arrange a pre-contract with a foreign club from January 1.
Alternatively, Arsenal could agree a cut-price deal for Nketiah in the January window which represents their final chance to cash in through a sale.
Crystal Palace are also admirers of Nketiah, who has featured just twice this season – scoring in both Carabao Cup appearances – but has yet to play in the Premier League.
