Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah is deemed to have “no future” at the club under manager Mikel Arteta and is advised to seek opportunities elsewhere, particularly with Crystal Palace reportedly expressing interest.
Despite scoring five Premier League goals this season, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United, Nketiah’s playing time has dwindled, prompting speculation about his future.
During Arsenal’s 0-2 FA Cup loss to Liverpool, Nketiah entered the game only in the final eight minutes, a move questioned by BBC commentator Alan Shearer, who raised concerns about Arteta’s decision-making, especially after Liverpool had already scored their second goal.
Former Blackburn striker and Premier League winner Chris Sutton suggested on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast that Nketiah should consider leaving Arsenal, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his role, particularly with Kai Havertz preferred as the central striker.
Sutton highlighted the dilemma Nketiah faces, saying, “If I’m Eddie Nketiah, I’m wondering how come I’m sitting on the bench and [thinking], ‘I’ve got no future at Arsenal unless I start as a central striker.'” He questioned the message Arteta is sending to Nketiah, pointing out that if Havertz is the designated number nine, it raises doubts about Nketiah’s prospects at the club.
The situation has led to speculation about Nketiah’s potential departure, with Crystal Palace among the clubs linked to the striker. The Gunners have reportedly set a £30 million price tag for Nketiah, possibly driven by a desire to sell players in order to bring in reinforcements.
Arteta, addressing the January transfer window, expressed Arsenal’s openness but emphasized a focus on maximizing the potential of the existing squad. He stated, “We are open to the transfer market, but the focus is on making the best of the players we have.” While not ruling out potential moves, Arteta stressed the need to explore options and assess the available players before making decisions.
Nketiah’s future at Arsenal appears uncertain, with the club’s willingness to entertain offers and Arteta’s focus on existing players shaping the narrative surrounding the talented striker’s potential departure in the ongoing transfer window.
🚨🎙️| Alan Shearer says Eddie Nketiah is ‘not the solution’ for Arsenal.
Shearer, taking on Arsenal’s attacking players: “Kai Havertz isn’t that player, Gabriel Jesus is not a natural goalscorer, Eddie Nketiah is a good impact player but not the solution if you’re aiming to win… pic.twitter.com/g1WQ5EjI9T
— afcsphere (@afcsphere) January 10, 2024
