GHANA have launched a bid to poach Arsenal’s England starlet Eddie Nketiah in time for the World Cup.
The London-born striker has won 17 England Under-21 caps, scoring a record 16 goals.
Nketiah is England U21s’ al-time top scorer, but has never made an appearance for the senior sideCredit: ReutersHowever the 22-year-old’s parents hail from Ghana, and he is eligible to switch national allegiance.
Reports from Ghana Soccernet claim the Ghana FA has made contact with Nketiah’s family about him playing for the Black Stars.
The striker’s Gunners clubmate, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey, is also understood to have attempted to persuade him to sign up.
Otto Addo’s side qualified for this November’s World Cup finals after a tense play-off win over Nigeria last month.
They will face Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
Nketiah has won 38 England caps from Under-18 to U-21 levels, scoring an impressive 35 goals.
However his chances of breaking into Gareth Southgate’s senior side have been hampered by a lack of game time for Arsenal.
He has made just 83 Gunners appearances in five years, having a loan spell in the Championship with Leeds two seasons ago.
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Ghana’s squad is not blessed with a wealth of attacking talent, with Crystal Palace frontman Jordan Ayew their best option.
And the pacy Nketiah may now opt to play a starring role in Qatar for his parents’ homeland.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
