Arsenal wants forward Eddie Nketiah to sign a new contract after the season ends. Nketiah has stepped up since the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Fabrizio Romano, whose contract expires at the conclusion of the season.
In the Gunners’ quest to qualify for the Champions League, the Englishman has scored four goals in his last four outings. Nketiah joined Arsenal’s development academy in 2015 and debuted in the first squad in 2017. The 22-year-old also spent a season on loan at Leeds United, where he made 17 appearances and scored three goals.
On Sunday, the attacker helped Arsenal to a 2-1 victory over the Whites by scoring a brace. After the match, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta heaped admiration on Nketiah, saying:
“We truly like this guy because he never changes, and he deserves what is happening to him.” He still has a lot of work to do, but he’s in the right atmosphere and surrounded by the right people. Now he can be judged on his performance on the field, which he didn’t have previously.”
Nketiah was thought to want to leave Arsenal at the conclusion of the season owing to a lack of playing time, but Arteta wants him to stay after his return to regular first-team action. It’s been a terrific environment throughout the whole season; it’s been excellent,” Nketiah told reporters after the game.
Being a part of this is incredible. Any player wants to be on the field and have opportunities. “Throughout the season, I worked hard to ensure that I was ready when my chance came. My teammates deserve credit for assisting me in playing and performing effectively. I’m just glad to be a part of the squad and contribute. Nketiah will be hoping to maintain his excellent form and help Arsenal qualify for the Champions League. Since 2017, the Gunners have not qualified for the competition.
Nketiah has already turned down multiple offers from the Gunners to commit to the club in the future. Arsenal wants to change his mind with what they hope will be a final push to keep his services by providing him with additional playing time. It’s unclear whether Nketiah will cooperate.
The 22-year-old is eager for more playing time, and this will almost certainly be a major demand in any contract talks. While he may currently be Arteta’s number one, a lot could change in the summer. Arsenal would be foolish to enter a potential Champions League campaign with Nketiah as their main striker.
Although the children have talent, it pales in contrast to the players required to compete at Europe’s highest level. Nketiah might be back on the bench next season, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Darwin Nunez linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.
