CandH Exclusive By Dave Langton

West Ham have very little chance of signing Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal this summer.

The Hammers have been linked with a swoop to sign the striker on a free transfer if he cannot agree a new contract with the Gunners but a source close to the player has confirmed to ClaretandHugh it will prove more than difficult.

The Hammers face serious competition for his signature, and are unlikely to be able to pay what he is allegedly demanding.

Our source explained that Nketiah has been offered a lucrative new deal by Arsenal, at a wage  the Irons would be unwilling to match, while there is also a significant signing-on fee being promised.

He  added that the player will also be pushing for guarantees over first-team football, with both the Gunners and any potential suitors informed that he needs to make 28 starts – fitness-permitting – next season as a minimum.

He has yet to make a final decision over his future as clubs circle and Arsenal attempt to keep him.

But it appears very unlikely that he will be coming to east London.