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Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has attracted interest from West Ham United and Crystal Palace. He has been in incredible form in recent weeks and has repaid Gunners boss Mikel Arteta's faith shown in him.
The Gunners failed to sign a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and therefore opted to give Nketiah more playing time. The youth academy product initially had to make do with a bit-part role since the turn of the year.
Nketiah was given the chance to make his first start in the Premier League this season against Southampton in mid-April and has since made the position his own. The youngster has scored four goals in his last four Premier League appearances, which included a brace against Chelsea and then another two goals against Leeds United. In his article on Caught Offside, Romano wrote:
"Eddie Nketiah has been excellent recently, and that's in a large part down to Mikel Arteta and the director Edu Gaspar, who believed in him despite the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January. Another two goals against Leeds yesterday will only have taken his stock even higher."
Arsenal have been attempting to extend his contract but the striker will only make a decision on his future at the end of the season. Crystal Palace and West Ham are keen to sign Nketiah but could face competition from a number of Bundesliga clubs who could offer him a better contract and the chance to be a regular starter.
"Arsenal want him to stay and have been trying to extend his contract for months. Nketiah will decide at the end of the current season, but the proposals he is receiving are many. West Ham and Crystal Palace have been interested for months, but keep an eye on Bundesliga clubs that are ready to offer an important contract and, above all, a guaranteed regular starter position."
Arsenal should keep Eddie Nketiah even if they sign a world-class striker this summer
Arsenal have been short of attacking options since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club during the January transfer window. The north London side are expected to sign a world-class striker to replace the Gabon international this summer.
As per Football London, Mikel Arteta has shortlisted the likes of Patrik Schick, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Jonathan David for the summer. Despite their eagerness to sign a top-quality forward, the club should prioritize extending Eddie Nketiah's contract.
The 22-year-old's pace, directness, work-rate, and striker's instincts make him a massive asset for the club and one to look out for in the future. The Gunners should instead part ways with Alexandre Lacazette, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and give Nketiah a more prominent role next season.
