Growing up in Deptford, Nketiah returns to South London as an England international and an established goalscorer at the highest level.
The forward started out in Chelsea’s youth system, but moved to Arsenal aged 14. His prolific attacking returns – including 39 goals in 39 games for the Under-18s – propelled him towards first-team football, where he scored twice in just his second senior appearance.
The striker went on to lift the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2019/20 and, in October 2020, he broke the England Under-21s goalscoring record, finishing with 16 goals in just 17 games at that level. His senior England bow arrived last October, debuting for the Three Lions against Australia.
Nketiah concludes his time at Arsenal having netted 38 goals in 168 games – averaging a goal just under every 180 minutes played – and having scored his first Premier League hat-trick, against Sheffield United, last season.
He becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window, joining Chadi Riad, Daichi Kamada, Ismaïla Sarr and Maxence Lacroix in Palace’s squad, and will wear the Eagles' No. 9 shirt.
Nketiah said: "It's amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I'm excited to get going. Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.”
Chairman Steve Parish said: “It’s brilliant to welcome Eddie, a senior England international, back to South London – we are delighted he has signed for Crystal Palace. I am confident that his energy, talent and hunger to succeed will endear him to his new teammates and supporters alike.”
The forward made his debut in red and blue against Leicester City in September 2024 and followed this up by scoring his first goal for the club against Queens Park Rangers in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
His first season in red and blue saw him make 37 appearances in all competitions, netting seven times and providing three assists, while also helping the side to glory in the FA Cup final.
After missing the start of the 2025/26 season through injury, Nketiah made an immediate impact upon his return. He marked his comeback with a dramatic 97th-minute winner in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Liverpool at Selhurst Park before scoring his first European goal for the club in a 2-0 win away to Dynamo Kyiv in Palace’s opening UEFA Conference League league-phase fixture.
The striker's impressive run continued when he opened the scoring in a 2-1 Premier League victory over Fulham in early December. However, injury struck again and ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Despite that setback, Nketiah still made 19 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
GBEngland
