90Min say Arsenal hope agreeing a deal for Eddie Nketiah at this late stage will convince Bukayo Saka to also put pen to paper. Nketiah is out of contract in June, but reports this week indicate he will sign a new deal.
Nketiah, 22, came in to the Arsenal side during the latter stages of the season and has been excellent. Starting the last eight Premier League games of the season, Nketiah scored five goals – including a brace against Chelsea.
However, it appeared Nketiah was only putting himself in the shop window due to his contract situation. 90Min reported this week that Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham, Newcastle, Everton and Palace were all looking at him.
- Newcastle and Tottenham want Leeds star, but Elland Road is his best move
- Robin Koch an unsung hero at right-back in Leeds’ final games of 21/22
But the same outlet report that a new deal for Nketiah is more likely, with the Arsenal star performing a u-turn. It is believed Mikel Arteta has promised the England U21 record goalscorer more game time at Arsenal.
The report also states that Arsenal hope keeping Nketiah means they have a better chance of a new deal for Saka. The England star is out of contract in 2024, and also has interest from Liverpool – as well as Manchester City.
Arsenal hope Nketiah deal convinces Saka: Could it tempt him?
It will certainly help. Nketiah has been excellent for Arsenal. While it is another of his Hale End academy buddies looking set to stay, it also improves the Gunners in the final third. Saka’s ambition is met.
But Saka will also want to see what kind of signings are made by the Gunners. The England star is a Champions League player, and he will know that. A player Paul Merson recently branded as “phenomenal”.
However, if Arsenal fail to make the right signings this summer and fail to get into the top four come May 2023 – perhaps, he will choose against signing a new contract. He might just wait to see what happens.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
