Since starting in April's win over Chelsea and scoring, Eddie Nketiah has elevated himself to the role of Arsenal's number nine with it previously looking as though he would be making an exit this summer. This is due to the 22-year-old's contract expiring in the summer and with Arsenal eyeing a number of other striking options, what chance is there for a new deal?
The England youth international has scored four goals in his run of five starts in recent games and his form has been an important reason why the Gunners will feel confident of securing a Champions League berth next season. Mikel Arteta is clearly a fan of the youngster but will Nketiah put pen to paper?
After his brace against Leeds on Sunday afternoon, Arteta spoke fondly of the striker, who came through the ranks in the Arsenal academy, he said: "This boy doesn’t change, that’s why we absolutely adore him & he deserves what is happening to him." He added: "He’s still got a lot to do but now he has the right environment and he has the right personnel around him.
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"Now he can be judged by what he does on the pitch and before he didn’t have that context."
football.london report that in recent months, Nketiah has rejected a range of contract offers, citing the need to play more often as the reason. However, with this goal having been achieved, will that be enough to tempt the forward to stay at the club?
This could well depend on who the Gunners bring to the club in the summer, with a move for Tammy Abraham or Gabriel Jesus on the cards, which could well relegate Nketiah to the bench once more.
After the win over Leeds at the weekend, Nketiah expressed his happiness at being back in the fold, he explained: "It's a great atmosphere throughout the whole season, it's been excellent," speaking to Sky Sports after the match. "You really feel the connection between the players and the fans.
"It's amazing to be involved. Any player just wants to be playing and get the opportunities. I've worked hard throughout the season to make sure that I was ready when I got my chance.
"[It is] credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I'm just happy in the team and helping."
