Martin Keown has told BT Sport that Eddie Nketiah is becoming a bit of a “fan favourite” at Arsenal after he scored once again for the Gunners in the Europa League – suggesting that the striker is “going to the next level”.
Nketiah, 23, netted his second goal of the season in what was only his second start. The ex-England Under-21 captain has played in all eight Premier League matches – but every outing has come from the bench for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Gabriel Jesus remains first choice, without a doubt. But Nketiah seems happy enough to be the club’s back-up option and has shown in the Premier League, towards the end of last season, that he is a player the Gunners can rely on.
Nketiah opened the scoring in a 3-0 win over Bodo/Glimt, with Rob Holding and Fabio Vieira also netting. But the striker was guilty of missing a big chance in the second half. Keown is delighted with him – and thinks fans are too.
“He is a bit of a fan’s favourite. He comes on and give Arsenal an extra bit. He has got to focus on that. He’s now someone Arteta can turn to, he is going to the next level. He is improving all the time, he has put on a bit of muscle.”
Keown: Nketiah is becoming a fan favourite at Arsenal
But how long can Arteta keep Nketiah happy, by keeping him at the club as second choice? Nketiah came within an inch of leaving last summer, with his contract expiring. But he was given a run in the side, and given the assurances.
He has now signed a new deal until the summer of 2027, worth a huge £100,000 according to TalkSPORT journalist Alex Crook. Now making substitute appearances in the league, and starting in Europe, can he be happy with that?
Of course, if Jesus pulls up with an injury, Nketiah will be the man Arsenal turn to. He has that trust in him from Arteta. But does he really want to warm the bench, like a goalkeeper does, and only play in Europe? Time will tell.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
