Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has put pen to paper on his new contract at the Emirates, signing a long-term deal in north London and claiming an iconic shirt number in the process.
Nketiah hit a rich vein of form at the end of last season after struggling for minutes under Mikel Arteta previously. But the 23-year-old found the back of the net five times in the final seven games of the Premier League campaign, putting a halt on what seemed like being an inevitable exit.
Arsenal are still expected to add a marquee first-choice target to their ranks this summer, with Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus looking increasingly likely to arrive. But having impressed, the powers that be at Arsenal were excited to secure Nketiah's future.
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“I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us," Arteta said of the deal. "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."
Director of football Edu 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."
Alexandre Lacazette recently departed on a free transfer, following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out who departed on unceremonious terms during the January transfer window. It has left Arteta short of options and a busy summer is expected.
Nketiah will take on the number 14 shirt for the Gunners from next season. It is a number that may not be an iconic one for most clubs but having been worn by Thierry Henry, it means a lot in the red half of north London. Now, the club have released footage of the striker being presented with the shirt shortly after signing the deal.
"Come in. Here we go," Edu said excitedly as Nketiah entered the office. "That's your new one [shirt]. And what about this?" the Brazilian said as he showed off the iconic number 14 on the back of the shirt.
Nketiah himself appeared at a loss for words himself, only saying: "Very beautiful." The grinning director replied: "You deserve it."
