How can Arsenal convince Nketiah to stay at the club?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 1 Feb 2022 22:57 GMT
- 4 min read
Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah was reportedly the subject of multiple bids during the January transfer window, notably Crystal Palace and Newcastle, but the club blocked an exit for the Englishman.
Nketiah, who is the record goal-scorer of the England U21 side, will become a free agent in the summer, as things stand, with his contract at Arsenal set to expire on June 30 2022.
He is yet to start a single Premier League game this season, but has appeared as a substitute on four occasions, and has been in terrific goal-scoring form in cup competitions.
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Nketiah has netted five goals in just five games in the League Cup this campaign, but hasn't been entrusted with regular league minutes.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exile from the squad, and subsequent sale to Barcelona, was expected to open the door for Nketiah to begin making an impact in the league, but that hasn't yet materialised.
He still remains on the fringes of the first-team, and has seen younger stars, such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli, albeit who play in different positions to the striker, rise well beyond him and become stars of the side.
It feels as though Nketiah's time at Arsenal is almost up. He's played 75 games for the club, scoring 18 goals, but only 31 of those have been starts; the forward is not a regular, and Mikel Arteta doesn't seem to trust him, opting for Alexandre Lacazette instead.
However, with Arsenal rejecting advances for the player, from Crystal Palace and Newcastle according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, there could yet be hope for Nketiah at the club.
But, he'll need convincing to stay, because aged 22, he needs regular minutes.
Forwards being moved on
Aubameyang has departed for Barcelona, and Frenchman Alexandre Lacazette could be joining him in leaving Arsenal.
The former Lyon man has been linked with a move away for a short while now, and with his contract set to expire in 2023, this summer will be Arsenal's last real chance to receive a transfer fee for him.
Wait until next January, and they'll be rewarded with pennies on the dollar. So, with Lacazette potentially being moved on, and Aubameyang already departed, it leaves a void in the central striker position. Even if Arsenal are able to add someone in that position, Nketiah would be a useful rotator.
If Lacazette does leave, then Arsenal need to hope Nketiah acknowledges he'll be given a chance.
Major targets may not sign
Arsenal have experienced a fundamental problem in the transfer market recently: players don't want to join the club.
Of course, that rule of thumb doesn't apply to every potential signing, but the likes of Emiliano Buendia, Manuel Locatelli, and most recently Dusan Vlahovic have all rejected advances from the Gunners.
Baring that in mind - Arsenal may not sign a top class centre-forward this summer.
There's a long list of potential number nine targets that Arteta has identified, and the chances are at least one will sign, but there's a possibility that Arsenal don't land one of their major needs this summer.
If that is the case, then Nketiah could be a budget option. So, it's worth keeping him around.
Give him minutes
While the thought of a space opening up ahead of next season is one that may entice Nketiah to sign a new deal, giving him game time now is what will make the major difference.
He clearly wants to play regular football, yet he's never been given that at Arsenal, so, it's strange the club blocked a move away in January.
However, if their view is that Nketiah is a useful member of the squad, then Arteta needs to start using him. With Aubameyang gone permanently, and Folarin Balogun departing on loan, Nketiah should be provided with more opportunities when Lacazette is rested. He needs to take them, but Arsenal also need to be patient if they want him to stay.
Results won't come immediately, but he's proven in cup competitions that he has the predatory instincts to score goals for Arsenal; now it's about being given a chance.
