Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is set to leave Arsenal this summer after rejecting a contract offer. Nketiah, 22, played 29 times for Arsenal last season, scoring six goals.
Eddie Nketiah to Leave Arsenal This Summer
Academy Graduate Looking for Move
Nketiah is a product of Arsenal’s academy. The striker made his senior debut in the 2017/18 season and stayed around the first team in the following season. In 2019/20, he joined then-Championship side Leeds United on loan. He went on to play 17 times in all competitions. Nketiah has not got as much game time as he would have wanted. Of course, he has Alexandre Lacazette and captain Aubameyang for competition.
Nketiah is the leading goalscorer for England U21 with 16 goals in 17 appearances. It is more than the likes of Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard or James Milner. He has impressed consistently in age-group football for England but is yet to break into the senior squad. With heavy competition at Arsenal, he is now looking for a move.
Number of Interested Clubs
A number of clubs are interested in signing Nketiah. Crystal Palace and West Ham United are among the Premier League clubs interested, according to Fabrizio Romano. Palace have appointed Patrick Vieira as their new manager. The former Arsenal man is likely to spearhead a number of new signings. Indeed, Nketiah may be one of them. Michy Batshuayi is unlikely to return, and Benteke has flattered to deceive since joining Palace. As a result, Nketiah could be brought in to support Jean-Philippe Mateta.
West Ham, meanwhile, are looking for a striker to provide cover for Michail Antonio. Antonio was their only striker last season. That will not work out next campaign with Europa League football to come. It’s no surprise they are looking for Nketiah.
Bayer Leverkusen are also credited with an interest. The German side, who signed Demarai Gray in January, are looking in the English market again. The Arsenal youngster could become the latest Englishman to make the Bundesliga switch.
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