Eddie Nketiah told he has point to prove after surprise Arsenal exit

Clinton Morrison reckons Edde Nketiah is the perfect fit for Crystal Palace - but warned the striker still has a lot to prove.

The Arsenal academy graduate left the Emirates for Selhurst Park on transfer deadline day and could make his debut against Leicester City on Saturday.

Ex-Palace striker Morrison insists Nketiah will be hoping to show Gunners boss Mikel Arteta what he’s missing after being deemed surplus to requirements in North London.

He said: “I was surprised that Arsenal let him go, because for me, Nketiah is a natural number nine, whereas the number nines at Arsenal are all different kind of forwards. The problem was, and Eddie knew this, that he wasn’t going to get the minutes he needed at Arsenal this season. He'll get those minutes at Crystal Palace.

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“I think he's a natural goal scorer. As soon as I saw Palace were interested, I thought it was a great fit. Nketiah is a very good striker but has still got a lot to prove in the Premier League, but I think it's a great signing; £25-30m for a striker, that’s great business in this day and age.”

Palace also managed to keep hold of Marc Guehi after they rejected four bids from Newcastle United for the England international. Morrison has praised club chiefs for standing firm and keeping Guehi at Selhurst Park.

Morrison asaid: “Marc Guehi is a top player. He’s shown that week after week at Crystal Palace and he’s also shown it on the international stage. He’s been outstanding for a number of years now. I love that he hasn’t let the speculation affect his performances. He’s started the season ever so well at Palace.

“Keeping hold of Guehi and Eberechi Eze is absolutely massive for the club. It’s good business. I would consider the club retaining those two players as two of the most important deals in the transfer window because they are such big players for Crystal Palace.”

Palace are chasing their first win of the season against the Foxes, who have also yet to taste victory in their opening three matches. Evergreen Jamie Vardy, 37, looks set to spearhead the Leicester attack and will be hoping to add to his goal against Tottenham on the opening weekend of the season.

“It's a good battle, Jamie Vardy against Marc Guehi,” added Morrison. “The one thing with Jamie Vardy is, everyone says that as he gets older, he might not be as quick. That’s true of all players, but his movement's fantastic. You don't score over 130 Premier League goals if you're not a good centre forward.

“I think he’s had a brilliant career coming from non-league all the way to the Premier League to England. It’s been a fantastic journey for him. Marc Guehi will have to be on his toes. Vardy is very capable of being quiet for 90 minutes and then you give him one chance and he’ll take it. I think if Leicester were to stay up this season, Jamie Vardy plays a big part.”

Clinton Morrison was speaking on behalf of 10bet.

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