Eddie Nketiah hopes that the influence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can help him become a "top striker" just like his mentor is.
The 21-year-old has made an impressive impact on the Arsenal side in 2020 after Mikel Arteta blocked a loan move to the Championship. Since being reintegrated into the Gunners setup Nketiah averages a Premier League goal every 126 minutes and has developed a nack for finding the net when his team-mates need it most.
That was apparent on Saturday when Nketiah was on hand to turn in Dani Ceballos' pass and earn a hard fought 2-1 win over West Ham, capping off an impressive cameo from the bench in a match where his chief rival in Arteta's affections, Alexandre Lacazette, also scored.
Nketiah briefly overhauled Lacazette as Arteta's first choice midway through last season and will have his eye on returning to the tip of Arsenal's attack as the season wears on.
Learning from Aubameyang, scorer of 72 goals in 112 appearances since he moved to north London in 2018, can only aid Nketiah's progression.
"Auba's a great player and I've had the privilege of playing alongside him for a little while now," said the 21-year-old. "He's a top striker and that’s where I want to be in the future.
"Whenever we're training or working on little things, I’m always asking him about how he does it, how he prepares and whether he has any little tips.
"Some of the variety in his finishing is just outstanding and what’s even better is that he is always willing to help other people out — he’s great to have around. He’s one of the best about and I’m always looking to learn from him."
Nketiah has developed something of a reputation as a fox in the box, one which his late winner against West Ham will do little to end.
As soon as Ceballos was slipped in behind from Bukayo Saka Nketiah was drifting into space, somehow finding room between Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna whilst timing his run to remain behind the ball and in a position where his team-mate could pick him out.
"I do a lot of work trying to be in the right positions, to make sure I'm always available from wide crosses or when the ball is in the box," said Nketiah. "It was a nice pass from Dani Ceballos and it was a good finish from me."
