Eddie Nketiah on verge of signing new Arsenal deal

Eddie Nketiah is close to agreeing a new deal at Arsenal, bringing an end to months of speculation over the striker’s future.

Nketiah’s current Arsenal contract expires at the end of next month and he would be able to leave north London as a free agent if he did not commit to an extension.

The 22-year-old has rejected previous offers from Arsenal and has always insisted that his priority is to play more regular first-team football.

A recent run in the side appears to have prompted Nketiah, a product of the club’s academy, to change his mind about leaving the club.

He finished the season in fine form for Arsenal, starting the last eight matches in the league and scoring five goals in that time.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his admiration for Nketiah, who ended the campaign with 10 goals in all competitions. Only Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, fellow academy graduates, scored more.

Discussions over Nketiah’s new deal are understood to be ongoing but there is now increased optimism from Arsenal that the striker will be willing to commit his future to the club.

A new contract for Nketiah will not stop Arsenal from looking to strengthen their attacking options this summer, with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus their top target in attack.

Arsenal have also been considering a more physical option up front, such as Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but a new deal for Nketiah would reduce the need to spend enormous amounts of money on another centre-forward this summer. Arteta also wants to boost his midfield options, with Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans among the leading targets.

Meanwhile Arteta has made it clear that he wants centre-back William Saliba, who has thrived on loan at Marseille this season, to stay in north London next season. Arsenal’s qualification for the Europa League will give Saliba more opportunities to impress.