Bayer Leverkusen are challenging Crystal Palace for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

The Sun says Bayer have their sights on the young Gunner who is a free agent in the summer.

Bayer would like Nketiah to commit now and may push him to sign this week to head off interest from rivals, led by Crystal Palace.

Nketiah and his advisers will pick a lucrative pay day in Germany and those figures – on top of a transfer fee – make it hard for the Eagles to compete.

However, Palace could offer the 22-year-old first-team football and that might entice him south of the river.

West Ham and Brighton were also linked with a move for the striker prior to the transfer window opening.