Arsenal legend Ian Wright has jumped to the defence of Eddie Nketiah after he was handed the famous No 14 shirt at the Emirates.
The 23-year-old was facing the exit door this summer with his contract winding down but he and the club have reached an agreement and the striker has now penned a long-term deal in north London. Nketiah became Mikel Arteta's main man in attack towards the end of the season.
He scored five times in the final weeks having previously been the back-up to the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. There have been doubts over Nketiah's ability to cut it at the top level with Arsenal targeting a return to the Champions League.
Nketiah's decision to stay put has seen him handed the number previously worn by Thierry Henry, which has caused a stir among some fans. The Frenchman spent eight years in north London, leaving in 2007 as their record goalscorer.
But Wright has hit back at those criticising the Arsenal striker, saying: "What's a number? Why don't you say nothing if you have nothing positive to say about our players? You can never call yourself an Arsenal fan with negativity of this nature? Would you say this to Eddie's face? If not, STFU".
Nketiah will become the third man to wear No 14 since Henry's departure. Theo Walcott took it on after the Frenchman's departure before Aubameyang wore in during his time with the Gunners. The number and goals have often come hand in hand and the academy graduate will hope that trend continues.
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Arteta spoke highly of the striker after news of his contract extension emerged. He told the club's website : “I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club. We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”
The club's Technical Director, Edu, added: “The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our Academy system. Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player. The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season and we’re all delighted.”
