Eddie Nketiah has vowed to “relish the challenge” at Arsenal this summer as the club chase a move for Gabriel Jesus.
The forward signed a new contract at the Emirates Stadium after a strong end to last season, with the 23-year-old scoring five goals in last seven Premier League games.
Handed the No.14 shirt after penning a new deal running until the summer of 2027, Nketiah could face a battle for a starting berth as Arsenal continue to chase Manchester City forward Jesus.
The Brazilian is Mikel Arteta’s leading target this summer and the club are increasingly confident of sealing a deal potentially worth up to £50m.
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the 25-year-old but are understood to have dropped their interest in Jesus as they prepare to battle Arsenal on another front, namely for the services of Leeds United winger Raphinha.
With Fabio Vieira also having joined, the competition for places in attack has already incresaed, although the Hale End graduate has expressed his excitement at having to “fight and compete”.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Nketiah said: “Every team needs a squad to compete.
“The club is always looking for ways to strengthen. They have extended my deal and they have done so for a reason. Whoever comes in, you relish the challenge. You make them feel welcome, and then you fight and compete.
“That is just my mentality, my personality. I know I am not the finished article, and I don’t need to be the finished article right now. I have time to improve and to make mistakes. But I do have belief in myself that if I am given a run, and I play the games, I can deliver.
"I know I still have so much more to give and so much more to do.”
