Arsenal face Manchester United in a crunch game for the top four race. The Gunners are fighting hard to get back into the Champions League as they currently sit fifth. However, after three consecutive defeats Arsenal suffered a major set-back. But they made an exceptional comeback against Chelsea, running away as 4-2 winners. One player who immensely impressed was Eddie Nketiah. The striker scored a brilliant brace to help his side to a victory. As a result, Nketiah could be finally ‘unleashed’ by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Nketiah was at the centre stage as Arsenal got back their top four battle back on tracks against Chelsea. The 22-year-old’s work-rate was exceptional which resulted in him scoring the opener as well as the winner for the Gunners. However, Nketiah was constantly denied regular football due to falling behind in the pecking order to Aubameyang and Lacazette. But he could finally get his chance to prove his mettle against Manchester United. Mikel Arteta is looking to reward the Arsenal academy product with another start here, after labelling him as ‘phenomenal’.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hails Nketiah
Mikel Arteta Arsenal coach was speaking to the media ahead of the Man United clash. The Spaniard sang songs of Nketiah’s praises from his last game’s performance. Furthermore, the manager explained as well so as to why the youngster deserves more chances.
Though Nketiah has participated in 15 league games this season, only 2 have been starts. That could change starting from the United game, per Arteta’s words. “The way he trains, the way he wants to improve, the attention that he pays, how he behaves when he plays when he doesn’t play,” said Arteta.
He further described Nketiah as “phenomenal” stating that even his teammates think the same. “He is just a phenomenal player and he has shown, not to me, I think to the whole team. And that’s why he is so respected in the dressing room the type of person he is.”
Striker likely to leave in the summer
Despite Mikel Arteta ready to play Nketiah more often in the final run, the striker is anticipating an exit. Nketiah wants regular first-team football, and could move somewhere else for the same. Moreover, its almost imminent that Arsenal are going to bring in a new striker in the summer. Nketiah’s contract is up as well in the summer, and an exit is lurking around for the would-be free agent.
Recently Nketiah told The Beautiful Game podcast, “There have been offers of a new contract. But at the moment my aim is to play football and play regularly. That’s my ambition and that’s what I hope to do but at the same time I’m at Arsenal, I love Arsenal.” As he disclosed, Arsenal do have tabled extensions offers. But Nektiah has made it clear that it will take more than an offer for him to stay. Regular minutes.
No matter what the summer holds, if all the youngster fires in the crucial goals in the final stretch of the league to help Arsenal clinch Champions League, he is going to be remembered forever by the Gunners. But as of now, Nketiah is staring at a well-earned start against the Red Devils here on Saturday.
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