Arsenal have made Eddie Nketiah a contract offer, in a move which the Athletic say is a ‘surprise’.
Nketiah has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at Arsenal, and his future at the Emirates Stadium is very uncertain.
Mikel Arteta barely utilised the 22-year-old last term, as he preferred other options.
However, Arsenal are keen to tie down Nketiah for the long-term, perhaps to protect his value somewhat.
Arsenal have seen Joe Willock’s reputation rise after a loan spell with Newcastle United, and the Athletic suggest that they are hoping they can do similar with Nketiah.
Getting the striker to pen new items could be difficult, though.
Nketiah wants to play more frequently, and it is said that he is ‘unlikely’ to pen a new deal with his first-team status so uncertain.
If Nketiah does reject Arsenal’s offer it is claimed that he will be sold this summer, rather than kept around for a season, and lost on a free transfer.
Bad news for Arsenal?
That could be a blow to Arsenal, as they are hardly in a strong negotiating position.
Any interested parties will know that Nketiah could become available on a free in a year’s time, so are unlikely to submit huge offers to sign the youngster.
If Arsenal do place Nketiah, who was once labelled ‘extraordinary’ by Mikel Arteta (Metro), on the market there is likely to be no shortage of interest.
The 22-year-old has shown flashes of real potential and has proven that he can score goals when given chances in the Premier League.
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