Mikel Arteta believes Eddie Nketiah "represents what we are all about" after signing a new long-term Arsenal deal.
The forward was due to see his contract expire this summer, which left him free to seek pastures new, but the player has performed a U-turn and committed his future to the north London club. Nketiah, who has been forced to play second fiddle in recent seasons, was Arteta's main man in the final weeks of the season.
Arsenal made Nketiah the central point of their attack and the 23-year-old showed his quality, scoring five times. That included a brace against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as well as strikes against Leeds United and Everton. Arteta has been vocal in his admiration of the striker and doubled down on that after he penned a new deal.
He told the club's website : “I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club. We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”
The Gunners were under pressure to retain Nketiah' services after seeing both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leave in recent months. The latter has recently exited and leaves the club lacking options in the final third.
Nketiah's importance has grown as a result and the club have underlined their faith in him by handing him a new shirt number. He will don the No.14, which previously belonged to Gunners legend and record goalscorer Thierry Henry. Club chief Edu underlined their belief in youth as he hailed Nketiah's attitude after being released by Chelsea as a youngster.
Will Nketiah be a starter at Arsenal? Have your say in the comments!
The Technical Director added: “The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our Academy system. Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player. The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season and we’re all delighted.”
Nketiah scored ten times in all competitions last term - his best effort to date - with half of that tally coming in the Carabao Cup. All in all the academy graduate has scored 23 times for the Gunners. Arsenal recently added Brazilian teenager Marquinhos from Sao Paulo as they seek to add more firepower in the coming months.
The Gunners also remain firmly in the hunt for Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus, who is valued at around £50m. Arteta previously worked with Jesus during his time at the Etihad and the striker has a proven record in the Premier League.
