Could Nketiah be the answer to Arsenal's hunt for a striker?
Cameron Smith
- 8 May 2022 17:00 BST
- 3 min read
Eddie Nketiah's brace against Leeds ensured Arsenal secured a vital 2-1 win in their bid to finish inside the Premier League top four and secure Champions League football for next season.
With two goals inside the first 10 minutes Nketiah became only the second ever Arsenal player to achieve the feat after Kanu did the same against Sunderland in 2002.
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Not only did Nketiah provide the match-winning contributions for the Gunners, but it's the second time he's done so in the past four games after his double away to Chelsea.
With nine goals in 25 games in all competitions this season, Nketiah has scored three more than his rival for the number nine position Alexandre Lacazette and he's done so in limited minutes.
In fact, Nketiah has netted his nine strikes in just 10 starts at a rate of a goal every 117 minutes including his time on the pitch as a substitute.
That's seriously impressive form and shows what he can do when he's given the chance to shine.
Alongside Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli, Nketiah is part of an exciting, young attacking quartet that Mikel Arteta may be fearful of breaking up.
In fact, that selection of players have found rhythm and form, and seem to flourish while playing together. The defeat to Southampton is the only blemish on Nketiah's record as a Premier League starter this season, and it's clear that he's added a clinical touch to the Gunners attack that was lacking with Lacazette in the side.
Should Arsenal still sign a striker this summer?
Despite Nketiah's recent form, Arsenal remain linked with several of Europe's top strikers as they bid to solve the current issues in their squad. Although Nketiah has hit form of late, his contract still expires this summer and a renewal hasn't yet been agreed.
The same situation will occur with Lacazette, who is destined to leave the Emirates after five years.
Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martinez and Alexander Isak are all rumoured targets of Arsenal's and have been linked with Arsenal for several months.
However, Nketiah's rise to prominence should throw caution to the wind in their pursuit for a superstar forward. The Englishman has shown how prolific he can be when given a run in the team.
But, if he renews his deal he'll be the only senior striker in the squad with Lacazette leaving so Arsenal would be foolish to think his goalscoring streak is enough to fix that issue.
Another body is needed in the Gunners attack, but Nketiah has a strong claim to be made first choice ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
