Just In: Ipswich planning bold move to pay bill for the £77,000-a-week ace

With the festivities coming to an end, Ipswich Town are apparently planning an ambitious summer transfer that will allow them to stretch their freshly earned Premier League muscles for the first time.

Ipswich transfer news

Kieran McKenna impressed many as he led Ipswich from League One back to the Championship. That achievement was adequate for the time being, but not for the former Manchester United boss. He did not rest on his laurels, and neither did his teammates. And now, after one season, they are in the Premier League for the first time since 2001/02.

That was truly special. 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/pn1v5vPTeu

— I(P)SWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) May 6, 2024

With promotion secured and the open-top bus trip completed, the Tractor Boys must now focus on staying in the Premier League now that they are back in the top division, which brings us to the transfer window.

Reports have previously circulated about Ipswich Town’s intention to keep Chelsea loanee Omari Hutchinson, but those at Portman Road are planning an ambitious move elsewhere in London.

According to TeamTalk, Ipswich are keeping an eye on Eddie Nketiah in a “hugely ambitious” move, with the Arsenal forward free to go if the appropriate bid arrives this summer. Ipswich and Crystal Palace are apparently interested in signing a player who could help them secure Premier League safety next season.

It will not be a cheap move, though. Nketiah reportedly gets £77k per week, making him Ipswich’s highest-paid player by a long shot (excluding loan players), surpassing Axel Tuanzebe, who now earns a reported £18k.

A differential that would result in the newly promoted side slashing their payroll expenditure; that is the price they must pay for Premier League quality. Nketiah’s expertise and proven ability to reach the back of the net in the top division may make the salary more than worthwhile for Ipswich.

“Incredible” Nketiah could reach peak under McKenna

If there were any doubts that McKenna is one of England’s top young managers, this season’s promotion should quickly dispel them. He has evolved into a coach who most players should want to work for, particularly those in Nketiah’s position. As a result, the Arsenal forward is out of favour and in need of a move this summer, with Ipswich emerging as a likely destination.

Nketiah has won well-deserved acclaim from Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for scoring once every other game and surpassing his predicted goal rate.

Last season, Arsenal’s manager said: “What Eddie is doing is incredible.” We can’t say we saw it, but we were hoping he could do it because of who he is, his mentality, his qualities, and how they fit into the squad.

“Losing Gabby [Jesus] was a big blow, it is a big blow today, but Eddie is responding and the team I think in an exceptional way.”