Arsenal not looking to sell Eddie Nketiah this window as Gunners risk another Folarin Balogun situation with competing youngsters

Nketiah to stay

The future of Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah has been of some debate this season, with the England youth international having just one year remaining on his current contract.

Arsenal are already in a difficult situation regarding Folarin Balogun’s expiring deal, and despite Mikel Arteta having suggested in several press conferences that the 19-year-old wants to stay put, it appears as though he will be off very soon.

Reports, though, suggest that Arsenal have no intention of allowing Nketiah to leave this month, despite interest on the part of West Ham.

Arsenal have no intention of selling Eddie Nketiah to West Ham in January. #whufc are looking for a replacement of Sebastien Haller but Arsenal are expected to keep Nketiah. ⚪️🔴 #afc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 10, 2021

Decision time

With Nketiah, the Gunners need to make a decision. If they choose to renew his deal, then Arsenal are effectively putting their faith in Nketiah’s abilities as a senior striking option for years to come. Now 21 years old, Nketiah is entering the stage of his career when, if he is not receiving regular minutes, his stock will exponentially decline.

In 33 Premier League appearances (2658 minutes) thus far, the England youth international has managed just 4 goals. Whilst his cup competition record is considerably better, with 10 strikes across 25 FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League outings, Nketiah is yet to prove that he is ready to take on the mantle of first-choice hitman at a top club.

Arsenal also have a plethora of young players coming through behind the 21-year-old, including the likes of Tyreece John-Jules and Nikolaj Moller. The former signed a new deal in north London in 2019, whilst the Swedish forward arrived from Malmo during the summer, penning a deal through 2024.

Should Nketiah extend, this would leave Moller and John-Jules headed for the same dilemma which currently faces Balogun.

Alexandre Lacazette too will have just a year left on his contract following the completion of the season, with a decision likely to be made on his future in the summer. The Gunners are yet to be linked with any potential marquee attacking signings, but this could of course change should either or both of the Frenchman and Nketiah move on.

The clock is ticking, and the decision-makers at the Emirates will soon need to make some tough choices, whilst doing their best to benefit all of their club, players and bank balance.

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This article was edited by Conor Laird.

Source: 101greatgoals.com