Premier League giants Arsenal are set to take a final punt in their efforts to keep Eddie Nketiah at the Emirates Stadium.
According to the Daily Mail, English giants Arsenal are ready to present striker Eddie Nketiah with a final contract offer in an effort to keep him on at the Emirates Stadium. The Englishman’s deal with the Gunners expires at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
Nketiah came through the Chelsea youth system before joining Arsenal in 2015. He initially spent some time at the club’s academy before making his first-team bow in 2017. Since then, Nketiah has made 88 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals and assisting two more.
A nimble-footed centre-forward, he has been entrusted with more responsibility this season by Mikel Arteta. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s poor run of form followed by his subsequent departure in January has seen Nketiah clock more game time. While he has blown hot and cold, the 22-year-old has also scored some goals that could prove key in Arsenal’s hopes of returning to the UEFA Champions League.
Nketiah has recently been preferred ahead of another soon to be free-agent, Alexandre Lacazette by the manager. And it seems like he has made enough of an impression for Arsenal to propose a fresh contract offer. There appears to be plenty of interest in the player’s talents, with several domestic and foreign clubs keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Nketiah has, in the past, rejected numerous overtures from the Gunners to tie him down for the future. However, with playing time coming by far more regularly, Arsenal hope to sway his mind with what will be a final attempt to retain his services. Whether Nketiah will play along remains to be seen.
The 22-year-old is keen to receive more playing time, and it is likely to feature as a major demand in any contract negotiations. While he may be the numero uno for Arteta now, a lot could change in the summer.
It would be suicidal for Arsenal to head into a potential Champions League campaign with Nketiah as their main striker. The youngster has talent, but it pales in comparison to the players needed to make a mark at Europe’s top table. With the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Darwin Nunez linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, Nketiah could soon be back on the bench next season.
It promises to be an interesting summer in north London should Arsenal secure a top-four finish. While Nketiah does offer them energy and desire, they are better off bringing in a new striker who can offer them far more goals on the field.
