Should Arsenal offer Eddie Nketiah a new contract?

Another matchday and another Arsenal game in which Eddie Nketiah proves his worth in more ways than one. The 22-year-old’s quickfire brace against Leeds again highlights his confidence when chances come his way.

Often much-maligned, Nketiah finally got his chance in the first-team thanks to Alexandre Lacazette going down with a bout of COVID. In his last four games, he has found the back of the net four times.

With a neat brace against Chelsea and another pair of goals against Leeds, Nketiah is in form. While he didn’t get himself on the scoresheet against Manchester United or West Ham, the striker was a menace throughout. His performances were still strong.

His constant willingness to make darting, intelligent runs behind the defense, and his growing influence to be involved in the build-up play and maintain possession are superb. That is not to mention his work rate, either.

All of the above has seen him displace the French number nine int he side permanently, although in truth, for all his decent work prior, it was not a hard bar to surpass.

By contrast Lacazette has just four goals in his 27 Premier League appearances and one goal in his last 11 games, although he has provided four assists during that time. But the 22-year-old gives Arsenal what they need; a target and a player who takes chances when presented.

Against Chelsea, you could argue that if it was Lacazette on the ball for the first goal, Arsenal does not go ahead as the Frenchman lacks the pace of his younger strike partner. Such has been Nketiah’s improvement and ability to tuck away chances and put his stamp on games that many Arsenal fans wonder if the club should be doing more to make the Englishman stay and sign a new deal.

So, should Arsenal sign Nketiah to a new deal?

Depending on who you ask, the answer is either a definite no or a tentative yes. The 22-year-old spoke to Sky Sports after his performance against Leeds, and while at one time his future was not at the Emirates, his comments could suggest otherwise.

"“It’s a great atmosphere throughout the whole season, it’s been excellent,” Nketiah said.“You really feel the connection between the players and the fans. It’s amazing to be involved. Any player just wants to be playing and get the opportunities. I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure that I was ready when I got my chance.“[It is] credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I’m just happy in the team and helping.”"

His desire to be a starter in the Premier League may prove to be the catalyst for a move away from the club, as Arsenal have made it no secret that they are in the market for a world-class striker.

But as a number two option? The 22-year-old fits the bill, especially if Arsenal clinch Champions League football. There will be four competitions for the striker to compete in, and based on his current form, he will see his fair share of game time. But will that be enough for him? It is unlikely that it will be.

The offer should nonetheless arrive once more from the club as one could argue that since his inclusion in the first-team he has been one of Arsenal’s best. This is the best football of his career to date. While it is just a sample size, and many may not think he deserves an improved offer, it would be far from the worst outcome.

Let’s say Arsenal do put forward a new deal and Nketiah accepts: the Gunners would have a player who come on leaps and bounds in his development over the last month, and without parting with a transfer fee. They would have someone who is Premier League ready and will not take time to adjust like a new signing would (from outside England), and he has time on his side being just 22.

If given a choice to extend Lacazette or Nketiah, the answer is clear, but will Arsenal do it? Or should they do it?

It wouldn’t be the worse thing if they did.