Ally McCoist has urged Eddie Nketiah to snub a possible transfer to West Ham United, and instead, sign a new contract at the Emirates, as he told talkSPORT.
The former striker admitted that Nketiah, whose contract expires in June, ‘isn’t the answer for Arsenal right now’, but he still thinks the 22-year-old will go onto become a ‘fine player’.
After struggling for most of the season, Nketiah has taken his chance in recent weeks, including scoring a brace over the weekend as Mikel Arteta’s side boosted their Champions League hopes by beating Leeds United.
If the Gunners can secure all three points at Tottenham on Thursday night, then it’s Tuesday and Wednesday nights on a regular basis for them next season.
Will Nketiah still be in north London to be part of this ever-improving Arsenal side? Well, McCoist certainly thinks he should stay put and snub the Hammers.
“I think they (Arsenal) need another with Nketiah,” said McCoist. “I think in the last few weeks, he has looked eclectic and his goal tally has been excellent.
“However, to be brutally honest, I am not sure he is the answer to Arsenal right now. I like him and I think he will develop into a top player. If you need a centre-forward, that’s going to get you 25 goals a season, which Arsenal need, then I am not sure Nketiah is the man just yet.
“I think he will have a fine career and he will progress into a fine player.
On Nketiah to West Ham: “I don’t actually (think it will be a good move). I would actually like to see him stay. Going to West Ham is a good move for anybody. If you asked what I would like to see Nketiah do, then I would like to see him re-sign at Arsenal.”
Given that Nketiah is, as things stand, a free transfer in the summer, then it isn’t a surprise that those in the West Ham boardroom are keen on the Englishman.
West Ham’s owners love a free transfer, especially a striker, so their fans will be interested to hear that they are seemingly in pole position to sign the player in the summer.
From Nketiah’s perspective, if it is a move to the London Stadium, then that means he stays in London and also plays European football.
David Moyes and his players are fighting Manchester United for Europa League football, and after the journey the club went on this term, their fans sure want to experience it again.
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