Striker could leave Arsenal in less than seven weeks [Opinion] – originally posted on Sportslens.com
Eddie Nketiah could be on his way out of Arsenal before the summer transfer window shuts as he’s surplus to requirements and has little chance of getting playing time under Mikel Arteta this season.
The 22-year-old finds himself behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order, so his best chance of getting a first-team opportunity may be away from the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah joined Arsenal from Chelsea in 2015 and he impressed at the youth level before making the step up to the senior squad. He scored 15 goals with three assists in 16 games for the U18s, scored three goals with one assist for the U19s and scored 28 goals with seven assists in 39 games for the U23s.
The former England U21 international, who boasted 16 goals in 17 youth caps, has scored 13 goals with one assist in 65 games since Arsenal promoted him to the first team. Nketiah has started only 11 Premier League outings in the last four seasons, so the writing is on the wall.
Arteta doesn’t have plans for the 22-year-old this season and he risks wasting another year on the bench if he stays at Arsenal, so Nketiah should consider his options before the summer transfer window shuts at the end of August. The Gunners, who are cutting their squad numbers to fund a summer spend, want £20m for the striker.
Nketiah’s deal at the Emirates is up next summer, so Arsenal need to cash in now or hand him a contract extension, lest they risk losing the centre-forward on a free transfer in 2022.
Stats from Transfermarkt.
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Author:Crippy Cooke