Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to launch a last-gasp attempt to change Eddie Nketiah’s mind as his contract nears its expiration.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Nketiah’s representatives have been in talks with numerous foreign clubs in recent months.
Nketiah’s contract expires this summer and it has been widely expected that he will be leaving Arsenal for first-team action.
Sitting on the bench all season only added to that belief but things have started to change in recent weeks.
Nketiah was given the nod in track with Alexandre Lacazette out against Southampton, and he then scored twice against Chelsea.
Nketiah impressed again on Sunday as Arsenal beat West Ham 2-1, offering more of a goal threat than Lacazette.
Arsenal are now hoping to launch one last attempt to keep Nketiah before his contract expires.
Nketiah is understood to have rejected ‘numerous’ contract offers from Arsenal as he chases first-team action.
If Arsenal can’t promise Nketiah that he will be given a bigger role moving forward, he will almost certainly move on .
Lacazette is also out of contract this summer and Arsenal are eyeing up a big striker signing to replace him.
That doesn’t exactly bode well for Nketiah, whose good form of late may only see him as Arsenal’s second-choice forward next season at best.
If that’s the case Arsenal will likely see Nketiah walk out of the door this summer.
Crystal Palace are keen and may be able to offer Nketiah a starring role in Patrick Vieira’s side.
Arsenal boss Arteta has made it clear that he is a big fan of Nketiah. Just two years ago Arteta branded Nketiah ‘extraordinary’ but it just hasn’t translated to first-team minutes.
This last push to keep Nketiah is only natural after his impressive displays, but Arsenal may be too late here.
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