Arsenal: Eddie Nketiah can make this easy on everyone

Arsenal have decided to retain Eddie Nketiah for the rest of the year, and wouldn’t it just be so convenient if he could make this situation go swimmingly?

I was incredibly excited to see Eddie Nketiah at Leeds this year. Last year, he started to make an impact at Arsenal. He had some moments of heroism, he showed a capacity to make a difference beyond just scoring goals. It all looked great. But he was still missing some fine-tuning. Hence the loan.

Leeds did not use him right. He was a perpetual sub, despite scoring his fair share of goals from the bench, and as such he was pulled back from the loan. There, he awaited his fate—another loan, or staying at the Emirates.

Opting for the latter, the Gunners have made a commitment to provide Nketiah with more than he was getting at Leeds. That means game time. That means opportunity. At striker, no less, not on the wings. Though I guess the wings is better than the bench.

Whatever the case, this is a pivotal moment in Nketiah’s career. I would love nothing more than to see him fired up, unstoppable, ready to take on a premium role at the club.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

You know what that would do? It would allow us to seriously move towards parting with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. It would save us the stress and financial burden of having to replace him. It would let us focus on more important transfer needs. It would do a lot of things. I still think that if we keep hold of Alexandre Lacazette and bolster him with a few viable but not necessary superstar options (like a capable Nketiah, or Gabriel Martinelli), that this attack would be just fine.

Especially with Nicolas Pepe still growing into the role and especially with Martinelli growing at the club. That’s a nice little crop and it doesn’t even include Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson.

I feel like it’s in Eddie Nketiah’s power to make Aubameyang dispensable. And that’s all I want. Honestly, I already think he is, but maybe Mikel Arteta and the higher-ups need a little more convincing. A little push from Nketiah showcasing how ready he is would be one hell of a push.

Of course, this is a big ask. On the surface, it sounds like “Nketiah needs to prove he can replace Aubameyang.” It’s not that at all. We just need a little push. A little tappy, if you will.