According to Mirror, Arsenal is prepared to perform a U-turn and offer Eddie Nketiah a new contract to ward off interest from several clubs, including six Premier League rivals.
The 22-year-old’s contract expires at the end of May. The North London side had resolved to lose him on a free transfer earlier in the season with replacements already lined up. However, the club hierarchy has now had a change of heart. They have now moved to keep the Englishman at the Emirates beyond this summer.
Nketiah became a key player for the Gunners toward the end of the season. He took over the mantle as Mikel Arteta’s main striker and hit a purple patch of form. He scored twice against Chelsea and Leeds and netted against Everton to finish the campaign with five goals in 21 games (eight starts). That is more goals from open play than Alexandre Lacazette.
Perhaps the Gunners have grown weary in their search for an elite striker, or the youngster has mesmerized the club hierarchy with his recent scoring performances. Either way, Arsenal are now prepared to make Eddie Nketiah one of the highest-paid players at the club.
Nketiah is currently on a salary believed to be around £45,000-a-week. He is one of the lowest earners at the club. However, that could change drastically if the new offer is accepted. An agreement with Nketiah will not be straightforward, with several PL clubs, including West Ham, Brighton, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle, all offering regular playing time.
Arsenal’s striker department is destined to experience great change this summer. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already left and is flourishing at Barcelona, while Nketiah and Lacazette are free agents-to-be.
With the latter two set to depart, they could leave the Gunners scrambling to sign at least two new strikers this summer. In order to avoid spending above budget, Nketiah may yet be retained.
Nketiah wants first-team football. He has served as a fringe player since signing a new five-year contract at the age of 18 while watching his peers become pivotal parts of the squad. Reports suggesting Arsenal are going all-in for Gabriel Jesus are not helping either, and now the Englishman has a big decision to make. Victor Osimhen is also linked.
