Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has claimed that Eddie Nketiah wouldn’t even start for Fulham or Everton and is not capable of firing the club back into the top-four.
The 23-year-has netted 23 goals in 92 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2017. He was expected to leave as a free agent by the end of this month, but the youngster finished the previous campaign in fine form, scoring five goals in his last seven league appearances.
Nketiah agreed on a five-year contract with Arsenal last week and will also wear the iconic number 14 shirt next season.
The north Londoners have been in the market for a striker this summer. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, they have reached a verbal agreement with Manchester for Gabriel Jesus. The expected fee is to be in the region of £45m.
Merson has questioned the club’s decision to offer Nketiah a new contract. He believes the youngster lacks the quality to lead Arsenal’s attack next season. While speaking to the Daily star, the 54-year-old said:
“All Arsenal have got up front right now is Eddie Nketiah, who recently signed a new contract when it looked like he might leave.
“And no disrespect to Nketiah but Mikel Arteta must realise he won’t get you into the top four. Absolutely no chance. That’s a fact.
“Nketiah can’t be spearheading your Champions League push. He’s not getting in ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison at Everton and they almost got relegated.
“He’s not getting in at Fulham ahead of Aleksandr Mitrovic and they’ve only just been promoted. I’m not having a go at him, but he’s not getting you top four.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Nketiah has had plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent but has failed to do so on most occasions. He is, undoubtedly, a youngster with huge potential. However, he has struggled to establish himself as Arsenal’s main man in front of goal.
As Merson claims, the Gunners cannot solely rely on him to score goals and push them towards a Champions League return next season. It is absolutely crucial that they recruit another experienced striker.
It seems likely that Jesus will join the north London club this summer. The Brazilian has enjoyed an impressive goal-scoring record in the Premier League and has developed a good relationship with Mikel Arteta, during the Spaniard’s time as City’s assistant coach.
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