Following Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the Carabao Cup against Leeds United on Tuesday night, Mikel Arteta lauded the performance of Eddie Nketiah after his goal put the result beyond doubt against Marcelo Bielsa's men.
Academy graduate Nketiah's contract is set to expire next summer, though Arteta clearly has no intention of letting the England U21 international leave the Emirates Stadium, saying after the game: "I’m so happy to have him in the team. He’s our player and I consider him and regard him really highly. From my side I want him to stay.”
The Arsenal Way's presenter and writer Tom Canton (TC) spoke with content editor and writer Chris Davison (CD) on Wednesday morning's Arsenal Agenda Show to discuss Nketiah’s future at the club and the impact Arteta's comments could have on another Gunners frontman.
TC: “There were some interesting points about Eddie Nketiah made by Mikel Arteta after the game. Specifically talking about his future and saying and saying he would actually be open to him staying, which is not strange but surprising.”
CD: “Nketiah is someone who I actually rate highly. I think he is very talented and from the academy and England U21 set-up. He’s been fantastic and enjoyed a successful career early on.
“I still have doubts about him taking that step up and playing more regularly for Arsenal and being one of the main options up top, but there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding [Alexandre] Lacazette's contract.
“He and Nketiah are in the same boat on that front. Both contracts are running out in six months or so and that’s got to be sorted out sooner rather than later. Looking at the bigger picture we could lose both of them for nothing.
“But, say Lacazette left and Nketiah stayed. He would be filling in for Laca and I’m not sure if he’s ready and good enough to make that step up. I know there’s a lot of fans that feel the same way.
“I still think he has a lot of inconsistencies in his game and wouldn’t be much of a threat like Laca in front of goal. Say something happened to [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang, that means relying on Eddie most of the time.
“I have my doubts and I think if we get a reasonable fee for him in January, that’s something we should look at. Arsenal have been a pain for letting players' contracts run down and then trying to sort it out last minute.
“The longer we leave it only lowers the price. It’s a tricky one. Arteta made his feelings pretty clear last night. He wants him to stay, that’s his preferred choice. Whether the player feels the same remains to be seen.
“I think if Laca does move on it gives Nketiah more playing time and he will take his chance. But I don’t know where it sits with me if I’m being honest. We’re struggling for goals as it is. We haven’t looked a threat going forward each week.
“There's still a bit of inconsistency in our game. You could argue Aubameyang is not at his best anymore. He can be hot and cold at times so for Eddie to step up and be relied on more I’m not sure.
“I think he’s talented and has the potential, but whether or not he’s there yet I don’t know. I perhaps think he can have more of an impact at another Premier League side, I’d prefer if we brought someone else in who is a bit more experienced.”
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