Eddie Nketiah agrees long-term contract extension

 

Eddie Nketiah has reportedly agreed a new long-term contract to stay at Arsenal after turning down multiple bids.

The 23-year-old’s Gunners contract was due to expire at the end of the month, but the striker is said to have signed a contract until the summer of 2027, which makes him part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans.

Although, with speculation still surrounding the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City, he may face a battle to start matches once again next season.

Nketiah, however, turned down multiple bids from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs including West Ham and Crystal Palace to stay at the Emirates Stadium, according to transfer guru and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Nketiah was originally expected to leave the Gunners this summer after rejecting a number of contract extensions – citing his desire to play regularly as the key factor behind his decision.

He was largely out of contention for a starting berth in the Premier League last season.

The youngster’s fortunes changed in April when Alexandre Lacazette was ruled out with coronavirus.

He failed to score in the Gunners 1-0 defeat to Southampton, but kept his place in the team, and Arteta’s faith was rewarded as he notched a brace to help them seal a 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

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Nketiah then added three more goals in his next six appearances to establish himself as the first-choice striker over Lacazette to finish the campaign.

Until, a new deal can be struck with Jesus or other transfer targets, Nketiah is the sole first-team striker on the books.

The Gunners therefore desperately need reinforcements this summer with Alexandre Lacazette departing on a free transfer to Lyon, while they offloaded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January.