3 positives of Eddie Nketiah’s Arsenal contract extension

Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English striker Eddie Nketiah celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 22, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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3. Contract extension frees up precious transfer funds

Arsenal, Vic
Victor Osimhen is on Arsenal’s radar this summer. (Photo by Andrea Staccioli/Insidefoto/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

It remains unclear to what extent Arsenal intend on improving their frontline this summer, as well as how contingent any activity is on potential outgoings. But in any case, Nketiah’s renewal likely reduces our need to add two strikers to the setup and could make funds available for other pressing issues in the squad.

Reports from various sources indicate the Gunners want to address several departments in the upcoming window, including the left-sided centre-back position, central midfield and possibly a left-back to compete with the perennially-injured Kieran Tierney, in addition to at least one forward. This level of business is expected to cost close to £200 million and would be the most significant outlay in the club’s history (in one window).

Therefore, while a new contract should always be driven by football interests rather than economic frugality, tying down the Hale End star to a five-year deal still strengthens our offensive reserves ahead of the new season, along with the additional benefit of enabling moves for other much-needed targets.