Nketiah tipped to snub offer after Arsenal reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has tipped Eddie Nketiah to snub the offer of a new contract at Arsenal due to his lack of game time.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker insisted something would have to change for the 22-year-old to commit his future to the Gunners.
As quoted by the Evening Standard (27th October), Mikel Arteta revealed he wants to resolve the striker’s contract situation after failing to agree a deal in summer.
Nketiah’s current terms expire at the end of the season, meaning the Gunners risk losing him on a free transfer.
He has struggled for game time this season and is yet to feature in a Premier League matchday squad this season.
His only appearances this term have come in the League Cup.
As such, Whelan suggested Nketiah could turn down the chance to remain at the Emirates Stadium.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “When you’ve got a player in that position, he’s holding the cards. Right now, it doesn’t seem like it’s financial.
“He wants to play first-team football, start games and be an integral part of the starting XI week in, week out.
“I know you’ve got Lacazette coming out of contract as well, there might be an opening there for him. He needs more guarantees from Arsenal.
“He also needs to give Arsenal guarantees that he’s going to progress and be somebody that can be beneficial to them as a number nine.
“At the minute, I don’t think either party actually quite know what it is they want. I think he wants first-team football, 90 minutes week in, week out. To be part of the first-team setup and be their number nine.
“I think that’s what’s driving Eddie Nketiah on is he’s not guaranteed it. You never are at big clubs. Look at Arsenal, look at Chelsea, look at Manchester City.
“Sometimes you’ve got to play second fiddle and be a team player. If he doesn’t want to do that, then obviously that changes everything because he wants to be the focal point. The number nine star at a certain club.
“There’s still competition all the time. It’s a real difficult decision that he’s got to make. He’s come through the ranks at Arsenal. Does he maybe feel like he needs that change?”
In other news, pundit claims Arteta will be furious with “embarrassing” Arsenal star.