Eddie Nketiah is confident he and Gabriel Jesus can play in the same attack
(Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah believes he and new signing Gabriel Jesus can play alongside each other in the same attack.
Nketiah was close to leaving Arsenal this summer for more game time, but he eventually decided to stay and sign a new five-year contract.
The 23-year-old, however, now faces competition from Jesus, who has joined the Gunners from Manchester City for £45million.
Jesus is expected to lead the line for Arsenal but, as shown by his time at Manchester City and in pre-season, the Brazilian can operate out wide too and Nketiah believes it means they could play alongside each other.
“I think we can play together and I think we’ve shown that,” is quoted by the Athletic as telling reporters in America.
“Obviously, he’s a great player and it’s nice to play with him. Naturally with the kind of strikers we are, we’ve been able to combine quickly. I’m enjoying playing with him and hopefully we can continue to link up.”
Nketiah finished the season as Arsenal’s first-choice striker, but he has also played on the wing in the past.
And asked about the possibility of that, he said: “Yeah, that’s fine. Obviously, I like to play in the middle but I can play on the left as well and enjoy that.
“I’m just happy to be on the pitch in areas where I know I can be a threat and be dangerous. And when Gabby came on in the second-half [against Orlando on Wednesday] it was good to link up with him.”
Nketiah rejected numerous contract offers from Arsenal last season before finally agreeing to fresh terms in June.
The striker has explained he wanted to take his time and have all offers on the table before making the right move.
“When you’re at that stage of your contract you consider all your options and just weigh it all up,” he said.
“I sat down with my team and with the manager and my family and we felt like Arsenal was the best place.
“I’m really happy with my decision and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Arsenal have almost finished their pre-season tour to America and it will culminate tomorrow with a match against Chelsea.
There is a chance Oleksandr Zinchenko could play in the game, with the 25-year-old’s £32million move from Manchester City to Arsenal in the very final stages.
The Gunners are just finishing the paperwork for the deal and it could be announced in time for the Ukrainian to get some minutes against Chelsea this weekend.
“I know the player really well, he’s an exceptional footballer and he is someone that is going to bring as well another competitive edge to that dressing room,” said Arteta.
