3 reasons Arsenal shouldn’t give Eddie Nketiah a new deal

At this point in time when everything seems to be coming up roses with a new(ish) striker leading the line, most would argue that Arsenal would be foolish to let Eddie Nketiah leave.

Putting in another well-rounded performance for the club in the 2-1 win over West Ham, everything that Nketiah had previously been critiqued about he’s now being praised for.

While it would be reductive to suggest that the three matches Arsenal have won in succession against Chelsea, Manchester United and the Hammers are simply because Alexandre Lacazette has been replaced in the team by the 22-year-old, his inclusion has certainly helped.

There is now a threat going both ways. Lacazette’s penchant for dropping deep to receive offered the side an outlet, but only one. An unwillingness to stretch the play in behind stems from an inability to do so. He simply isn’t athletic enough.

3 reasons Arsenal should not give Eddie Nketiah a new contract despite his impressive form in the bid for a Premier League top four place

And athleticism is something that Nketiah has in abundance. His work rate isn’t confined to advanced midfield positions as he works the channels, closes the opposition down on the ball and drops off to link and facilitate. The latter of those points is something he’s improved on tremendously.

Scoring twice at Chelsea felt like a coming of age showing, although his all round display at home to United was arguably even stronger. While he may not have had the best first half at the London Stadium, his second half outing demonstrated all the facets of play this team required at this point in time. Nketiah was desperately unlucky not to score. He deserved to.

This renaissance, one that has caught so many by surprise, has prompted talk of a fresh deal in the offing, one that Mikel Arteta has made no secret about wanting to convince the striker to sign.

Between now and the end of the season Arsenal need Nketiah. Enormously so. Hopes of a top four finish and Champions League football rest on his shoulders just as it does the rest. But, this should be the end. After this season it will be time for him, and Arsenal, to move on.

1. Arsenal Won’t Bridge the Gap With Nketiah

It’s still undetermined where Arsenal will finish in the Premier League this season. The only certainty that we have is that Europa League football, at the least, is heading back to the Emirates Stadium. No Conference League.

All of which is progress in the context of where Arsenal were. Simply playing European football is not where this club aspires to be, but for this season it is unquestionable progress off the back of consecutive eighth place finishes.

Looking further, what is the plan? Ahead of the final four matches Arsenal find themselves 20 points adrift of leaders Manchester City. That, as unachievable as it may be next season, is the gap to bridge. If that isn’t the ultimate goal then there is no point bothering.

Over the coming seasons Arsenal want to be in that echelon, both in continental competitions and domestically. Nketiah, while certain to have a strong career ahead of him, is not the player who will lead the club to those aspirations. Unless as a club you are constantly seeking to improve and progress you are then effectively looking backwards.

More time could be spent developing Nketiah and nurturing him into a regular Premier League striker, or the club could go out and purchase the best they can afford. Right now, looking at where Arsenal are and have been, sticking with a player who couldn’t get into a team that finished eighth in consecutive campaigns is settling for where you are.

Arsenal don’t want to be fighting for their lives to secure fourth place. Arsenal want to be the best and in order to do so they need to have the best, or at least the very best they can get.

Nketiah is sadly not that. Heck, he might be, but more assurances are needed.

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