The Ghana Football Association (GFA) are pushing to persuade Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah to represent the Black Stars at senior level.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup firmly in the rearview, international football recruitment is ramping up for the start of another cycle.

African nations are preparing for upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON, which is to take place in a few months.

According to reports, Ghana are trying to convince Nketiah to play for them, having represented England once at senior level.

The 27-year-old is open to playing for the country where both his parents were born as he weighs up his long-term career path.

Ghana in Talks With Nketiah Over Allegiance Switch

The leadership of the Ghana Football Association has launched a fresh approach to convince former Arsenal man Eddie Nketiah to commit his international future to the Black Stars.

The Crystal Palace man has long been in their sights, and they have now reopened dialogue with his management team to outline their plans for him.

GFA have begun to compile administrative paperwork for the submission of an official change-of-association request to FIFA in preparation for Nketiah's decision.

According to Standard Sport, the 27-year-old has yet to decide whether he wants to play for Ghana and is still considering his options.

FIFA Eligibility Rules: Why Nketiah Can Still Represent the Black Stars

Eddie Nketiah holds the record for the most goals scored for England at U-21 level, finding the net 14 times in just 12 games.

His form at youth level, coupled with his breakout at Arsenal, earned him an invitation to Gareth Southgate's senior Three Lions squad in October 2023.

He earned a senior cap in a friendly game against Australia at Wembley, replacing goalscorer Ollie Watkins in the game.

Nketiah remains eligible to switch international allegiance under current FIFA regulations.

Under the guidelines reviewed in 2020, a player may change national teams if they have appeared in a maximum of three competitive senior fixtures before turning 21 and have not featured in a major tournament for a country.

Nketiah's situation is much simpler and straightforward, seeing as his only appearance for England was in a friendly match. As a result, he can easily register with Ghana.

Boosting Black Stars: What Nketiah Brings to Ghana’s Attacking Line

Securing Nketiah would represent a major coup for Ghana as they seek to strengthen their options up front.

At the World Cup this summer, 34-year-old Jordan Ayew led the line for them and failed to make an impact in all four of their games.

The Sheffield United man has failed to score more than nine goals in a single season of club football since the 2017-18 season, about eight years ago.

Nketiah offers proven Premier League instincts, sharp movement inside the box, and press-resistant hold-up play.

Ghana have several Premier League stars in their squad, including the likes of Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu, and Antoine Semenyo.

Nketiah's arrival would provide Ghana with the focal point needed to lead their forward line in high-stakes qualifiers and could help to propel them to a first AFCON title since 1982.