Arsenal are planning big for the upcoming summer, as they look to make a strong comeback to the European competitions next season. In particular, they have been linked with many players for a move to the Emirates. As some of the current players need their contracts sorted out, and a few are looking for a new club, while the rest prepare themselves for a potential newcomer to North London. Either way it depends on Arteta’s future plan for the club. Likewise, Eddie Nketiah’s contract will be running out this summer, and many Pundits believe that he will be moving to pastures anew.
But in the last few weeks, there has been a word spreading like wildfire that Arsenal are planning on a final contract offer for the young forward which will run through to the summer of 2026. According to the Daily Mail, Mikel Arteta wants the forward to stay despite the latter’s desire for a move away from the Emirates. Meanwhile, Arteta’s good relationship with his young players is revered all across the United Kingdom. And it is, indeed, not a shock to hear that he wants Nketiah to stay at the club for the foreseeable future.
However, the 22-year-old forward has surely proven his worth to his gaffer that his contract is being looked upon so closely. The Gunners have lacked a presence of an all-out attacker throughout this season. Aubameyang was there, or was he? The Gabonese international never really turned up for the gunners this season before signing for the Spanish giants, Barcelona. Even Alexandre Lacazette has been in and out this season. So, someone had to step up for their team, and Nketiah did just that!
The young English forward has already scored 7 goals and assisted another, in 24 games across all competitions, so far this season.
Coming through the Chelsea’s Youth system before joining Arsenal, in 2015, it is fair to say that Eddie Nketiah has developed a lot. Although this could be one of his breakthrough periods here at the Emirates, as he has already featured already in 24 games throughout this season alone. That is equivalent to almost 1/4th of his total 88 appearances for the Gunners’ first-team squad, since joining the North Londoners 7 years ago.
During that time, Nketiah has amassed a total of 20 goals, and another 2 assists, while 7 of those goals have come in this season alone. So, it is clear that the player is finally getting the minutes at the club. But could this really be a defining factor for Eddie to decide his future, and for the Gunners to push for the contract extension?
Should Eddie Nketiah be the one to rely on as the Gunners prepare for the Europe challenge?
Now the biggest question that pops up is that, despite Eddie’s contribution to the club this season, should Arsenal go all-out on his contract and put the pressure on the young forward to lead the charge upfront in the next season?
Well, even the Gunners would not want that. Not to disregard Nketiah’s talent, but if you are Mikel Arteta you are surely going to want the more experienced set of players to play in the European competitions. The players with the European pedigree like Nunez or someone like Gabriel Jesus can really assure you that solidity upfront.
But if that happens, then Nketiah would not look to be a back-up to the big guys yet again! As he has shown this season, he is ready to be big time. Adding to that, Lacazette is another player who could be seen bidding farewell to the Emirates, as his contract also expires at the end of the 21/22 campaign.
Lacazette and Nketiah both have been amazing for Arteta’s Arsenal this season, and also in helping the club secure a strong league finish. But there is surely a big decision to be made by the Club, regarding their future here at the Emirates. While it also lies in the players’ hands.
But in my opinion, Arsenal are going to buy a forward in the summer, given all the rumours surrounding the situation we may as well expect it to happen. And as I said above, this could press Nketiah to move away from the club. So all of it depends on this final contract, what all will be promised by Arteta and how does he talk the youngster to stay. Because let’s be honest, Nketiah is a fine talent who can surely prosper a lot under the guidance of Mikel Arteta and can prove vital for the Gunners if he is made to stay this summer.
