Arsenal: 3 outcomes for Eddie Nketiah’s future analysed

3. Eddie Nketiah Stays & Becomes Second Choice Striker

Such has been the incredible improvement he’s shown that this idea is one most are beginning to warm to. Not only does he suit the homegrown quota (even if this is mostly fine now), know the club inside out, have youth on his side and the room to develop, he won’t cost a transfer fee either.

It’s well documented that Arsenal are aiming to bring in at least one forward this summer, with one more versatile option to go along with the top drawer centre-forward that can transform this team entirely. Look how much better it has looked with Nketiah in there. Imagine a really established talent instead. Stuff of dreams.

So if they can reduce the striker incomings to just one by convincing Nketiah to sign a new contract it allows the resources to be distributed elsewhere, where there is the need to add as much quality in depth as possible.

Should the likes of Xhaka, Pepe or Saliba leave then more will be needed, and even if it’s only Pepe who goes Arsenal still need more numbers in midfield.

Nketiah has stepped up in Arsenal’s time of need. He’s not doing anything revolutionary but he’s providing exactly that which this team needs right now. Above all, he’s proven his worth.

However, that’s come with him getting regular starts. If he reverts to being second choice again it will mean more bit-part moments that won’t benefit his development and, crucially, won’t satisfy him. While it would suit Arsenal well to have an improving striker – who may explode one day – they don’t need to pay a transfer fee for and who can play the occasional game, it’s very clear that won’t suffice for Nketiah.

He wants to be the man somewhere. He will not get that at Arsenal.