Campbell ‘amazed’ by Nketiah after he tells Arsenal he wants to quit
Kevin Campbell has heaped praise on young Arsenal strikers Eddie Nketiah and Folarin Balogun.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Highbury favourite drew particular attention to Nketiah, 22, for his “amazing” attitude.
Nketiah and Balogun, 20, were both handed rare starts against Sunderland on Tuesday night in the quarter final of the League Cup.
A brilliant hat-trick from Nketiah secured the Gunners a 5-1 win and a place in the semi finals of the competition.
However, the striker has just six months left on his contract at the Emirates.
A source with knowledge of Nketiah’s situation has told Football Insider the striker has told the club he wants to leave after rejecting their offer of an extension.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his assessment of Nketiah’s situation, Campbell said: “Eddie’s attitude has been amazing.
“That is why Mikel Arteta likes him and likes to give him a runout. His attitude is always good. Arteta trusts him and it has paid dividends.
“I’m also so glad to see Balogun given his opportunity as well. I was hoping to see that.
“Balogun is getting there slowly but surely. I think he will be going out on loan in January so he can get more minutes under his belt, proper minutes in league football.
“I think it was smart of Arteta to give him a start last night.”
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker confirmed earlier this month that Balogun is “likely” to exit on loan in January.
Middlesbrough have been heavily linked with a move for the England Under-21 international.
In other news, Campbell is ‘buzzing’ for one Arsenal player after an ‘incredible’ training ground reveal.