With Eddie Nketiah's contract set to expire in June, it was widely expected the 22-year-old striker would be leaving Arsenal in the summer transfer window. That may not be the case after all, however. Arsenal was handed a huge boost in its hopes of keeping Nketiah, with a reported five-year contract now in the works, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
🚨 Eddie Nketiah understood to have changed mind on leaving Arsenal. 22yo striker was set to go as free agent but now expected to sign new contract. Deal not finalised but duration likely to be up to 5 years @TheAthleticUK after @SamiMokbel81_DM scoop #AFC https://t.co/8kltB6bRc0
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 25, 2022
Nketiah had long been understood to have rejected Arsenal's contract advances in hopes of securing a move away in the summer. However, just before he'd have become a free agent, it seems he's had a significant change of heart and now looks set to remain at the North London club on a brand new five-year deal.
It's unclear what prompted his sudden change of mind, but it's certainly a huge coup for Arsenal, especially as the club is also expected to lose Alexandre Lacazette this summer, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang departed for Barcelona in January.
Nketiah is just 22 and is considered to have enormous potential. His opportunities at Arsenal thus far have been few and far between, though that could be set to change following his new contract.
Last season, Nketiah featured in 21 Premier League games, though he started just 8. The English international scored 5 goals and added 1 assist. In total, he's featured in 59 games for Arsenal, making 19 starts and scoring 10 goals. While the club is expected to bring in a striker in the summer window, retaining Nketiah will be key for the team's depth, and he may finally get the playing time he's been seeking at the club.
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