Eddie Nketiah says there are no "hostilities" from Alexandre Lacazette, despite Mikel Arteta's decision to start him ahead of the France international in recent weeks.
Nketiah has kept Lacazette out of the Arsenal line-up for the Premier League wins over Newcastle and Everton, and justified his selection with a goal in Sunday's 3-2 victory over Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Lacazette did start in the Europa League last-32 tie against Olympiacos and scored the Gunners' winner in Athens, but the former Lyon forward seemingly faces a challenge to regain his place in Arteta's league plans.
But speaking after the Everton game, Nketiah admitted that Lacazette remains a huge influence on his Arsenal career, and says the more senior striker has reacted with admirable professionalism since losing his spot.
“Obviously he is a mature lad and a great player,” Nketiah said. “He always tries to encourage me.
“He has been a young player in my position so he knows what it is like. There are no hostilities, he's just always looking to help and improve and it shows the maturity he has.
“He has had a great career so all I can do is take the advice he gives me and try and implement it in my game and do what I do best.”
Nketiah started in his preferred number nine role against Newcastle and Everton, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing off the left to accommodate the Arsenal academy graduate.
Aubameyang netted twice in the win over Everton, with Nketiah praising the Arsenal captain's influence behind the scenes on the younger players.
“It’s great,” said the academy product. “They’re [Aubameyang and Lacazette] really good guys off the field and obviously top strikers.
“I just try to focus on myself and learn from them, see the things they do well and try to take from it and improve.
“They’re always willing to give advice and talk to me whenever I need it. It’s great to have two great strikers to learn from.
“I’m just trying to improve every day and listen to the people around me, my family and coaches, really improve, take each day as it comes and get better.”
