Crystal Palace transfer news: Fresh claim emerges on deadline day business

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge can no longer see Crystal Palace signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah in this transfer window. 

The south London club are very keen on the 22-year-old but have failed in their attempts to bring him to Selhurst Park this month.

According to Sky Sports, Palace have had two bids for Nketiah in this window rejected by Arsenal. 

The English youngster is attracting plenty of interest, with Bundesliga duo Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Monchengladbach also said to be chasing his signature. 

Nketiah has not been a regular for Arsenal this season, failing to start a single Premier League game under manager Mikel Arteta.

VOTE NOW: THE GMS January Fan Awards

Nevertheless, it looks like the Spaniard is desperate to keep hold of the forward in a blow to Patrick Vieira and Palace.

Bridge thinks Palace will have to give up their pursuit of Nketiah for the time being, telling GIVEMESPORT that Arsenal probably need to keep hold of the England U21 because of the situation surrounding their other strikers.

Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports journalist said: "I think that's it now. I think they made two offers for Nketiah which were turned down and I think with Arsenal looking to get out Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, [Alexandre] Lacazette out of contract as well, Arsenal look dreadfully light up front. So Nketiah might be needed."

Ralf Rangnick STRUGGLING at Man United! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...

Nketiah will be a free agent in the summer, so Palace will not have to worry about Arsenal then if they decide to go back in for him.

The problem the Eagles do have, though, is Nketiah being able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club now, which does look like a possibility given Leverkusen