Mikel Arteta has told Football London that he has been seriously impressed by Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah’s performances in training.
Nketiah has been given his chance at Arsenal under Arteta so far, with the Spanish boss showing great faith in the forward.
Nketiah has already repaid his manager with some bright displays in Arsenal’s first-team.
And Arteta says that he feels that the 21-year-old has now forced his way into the Gunners’ senior squad.
“We treat Eddie as an important part of our squad,” Arteta said.
“We had to make an important decision not to let him go on loan again after the spell he had at Leeds.
“I watched him train and I was very convinced he was the right player for us to move us to the next level, that he can contribute in a big way to to the way we want to play.
“He has been fantastic so far.”
Nketiah looks set to be rewarded with more game time at Arsenal before the season is up.
Arsenal have a busy schedule until the end of the campaign, and that could provide Nketiah with further opportunities to play.
Arsenal’s reliance on Nketiah could also increase next term, if Pierre Emerick Aubameyang does depart.
So far this term the England youth international has made seven appearances for Arsenal, scoring on three occasions.
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