Eddie Nketiah: Hat-trick hero
Eddie Nketiah took his Carabao Cup haul to 9 with a hat-trick against Sunderland in a 5-1 thrashing at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.
Eddie Nketiah in the Carabao Cup is a different breed.
9 goals in his last 9 games ??Should he get a new contract at Arsenal? pic.twitter.com/p5ORApfaVz
— 90min (@90min_Football) December 22, 2021
With six months left on his current deal at Arsenal, the Gunners are in a weak bargaining position, and face losing the England U21 record scorer for free in the summer, although they may receive some compensation if he joins a fellow Premier League club.
And, speaking after the game, Nketiah made his feelings very clear, saying that he was at Arsenal for now, but dodging any potential questions on his future.
Meanwhile, his boss Mikel Arteta was also clear in his desire to keep Nketiah, saying:
“We really want Nketiah to stay at Arsenal”
“He needs extra minutes. That is his want and that’s what we try to do. Eddie is an essential part of the squad”
Eddie Nketiah’s current contract expires in June 2022. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta: “We really want Nketiah to stay at Arsenal”, he told Sky Sports. ? #AFC
“He needs extra minutes. That is his want and that’s what we try to do. Eddie is an essential part of the squad”. pic.twitter.com/OFQtKouY76
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2021
However, should a bid arrive in January, the club would be foolish not to consider it, and one could yet arrive.
The trio of clubs interested in Nketiah
As per a report in the Daily Mail, a trio of Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on the Englishman as they look to bolster their attack in the January transfer window.
All of West Ham, Brighton and Crystal Palace are keen on signing the marksman, with Brighton in particular in desperate need of goals.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the first goal for his team during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Graham Potter’s side currently boast the joint second lowest goals scored in the Premier League, ahead of only Norwich and joint with Burnley, both of whom are in the relegation zone.
Would Nketiah be the answer?
