Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is “convinced” that forward Eddie Nketiah can help the Gunners get to the next level following his impressive form for the first team.
The Spaniard opted to keep the 21-year-old in January rather than allowing him to leave on loan once again, and he feels that the decision has been justified:
“We treat Eddie as an important part of our squad. We had to make an important decision not to let him go on loan again after the spell he had at Leeds.”
“I watched him train and I was very convinced he was the right player for us to move us to the next level, that he can contribute in a big way to the way we want to play. He has been fantastic so far.”
Supporters on Twitter think Nketiah is deserving of praise for his performances since returning to the Emirates:
Personally he could be the heir to Aubameyang
— MichaelAFC (@MichaelAFC3) June 15, 2020
Absolutely agree. Big fan of Eddie
— A W (@invincibles_0L) June 15, 2020
Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!
— WorkofArteta (@WorkOfArtera) June 15, 2020
Agree with him
— Gueye Amath???? (@GueyeAmath1) June 15, 2020
Big fan❤️
— AFC_highbury?⚪ (@afchighbury2) June 15, 2020
Legend in waiting!!
— Carl Wilson (@CarlWil42543044) June 15, 2020
Will be leading the line for us in a couple of years.
— ??????? (@4EmergnciesOnly) June 16, 2020
The end of the season will be a good indicator about how Arteta trust in Lacazette. We will know if Lacazette has a future at Arsenal with Arteta or not
— Jackyboy (@ErwanFoncel) June 15, 2020
Three goals in seven appearances for Arsenal since January is certainly not a bad return, and considering he started the Gunners’ last three league games, it’s clear that Arteta rates him very highly.
In the matches against Newcastle, Everton and West Ham, the head coach opted to keep captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing in a wide position in order to allow Nketiah game time through the middle.
It even seems that the England Under 21 international has moved ahead of Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order.