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Eddie Nketiah has changed his mind about leaving Arsenal and is on the verge of signing a new contract, according to The Athletic.
THE LOWDOWN: PROMINENT ROLE
The 22-year-old – who has enjoyed a more prominent role in the team in the final weeks of the season – had been expected to leave the Emirates on a free transfer this summer, with his current deal expiring at the end of next month.
Nketiah did not feature in a Premier League matchday squad until November last year, and did not make his first league start until April when Alexandre Lacazette was out due to illness.
However, he was almost decisive in Arsenal’s failed pursuit of a top-four finish, netting braces against Chelsea and Leeds and also scoring on the final day of the season against Everton.
Now the Gunners have reportedly managed to change his mind about leaving at the end of June.
THE LATEST: ON VERGE OF SIGNING
According to The Athletic, the London-born forward has now been convinced to stay at the Emirates and is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract.
The exact details of the deal are still being finalised, but Nketiah has decided to snub interest from the likes of Crystal Palace and will put pen to paper on a new deal that is expected to last until 2027.
THE VERDICT: RIGHT DECISION?
Despite impressing in recent weeks, scoring five times in his last eight starts, it’s no secret of Mikel Arteta’s desire for a new striker in the summer, which means the 17-time England U21 international may still not get the game time he craves if he is to stay on next season.
It makes you wonder whether the forward has made the right decision to stay at the Emirates.
The former Leeds United loanee has had to settle for a place on the bench for much of his career, and with Arteta pursuing striker targets like Gabriel Jesus, it may mean Nketiah will again be an unfortunate bench warmer.
It is clear the player needs a club where he is given the chance to be the main man and the £9m-rated hitman, once dubbed a “goal machine” by pundit Michael Owen, could not only develop his game with regular minutes at another Premier League outfit, but also become the consistent goalscorer he’s always been primed to become.
It is no secret that the Gunners will of course save money with this decision by only spending this summer pursuing one forward, but if Arteta is to get the best out of Nketiah and this new contract, he must provide him with more and more opportunities next season.
AND in other news, Arsenal optimistic over sealing the transfer of £45m-rated Premier League winner…
