The Gunners have confirmed the renewal of Eddie Nketiah’s contract, keeping the striker at the club for the long term, the club confirmed on June 19.
The 23-year-old has signed a new long-term deal with his boyhood club, making a remarkable U-turn from his previous stance of leaving at the end of his contract. His former deal would’ve expired later this month. In addition to his new deal, Nketiah has also switched numbers from 30 to the iconic 14, previously donned by club legend Thierry Henry, but also Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Speaking to the club website, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu Gaspar reiterated that Nketiah’s extension further exemplifies the club’s current project.
“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,”
Edu said.
That stance was repeated by manager Mikel Arteta, who claimed that the youngster represents the club’s values.
“I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club,”
the Spaniard added.
Nketiah spent two years in the Arsenal academy, which he joined after his release from Chelsea, before being called up to be in and around the senior team. The youngster joined Leeds United for half a season on loan in 2019/20 but was soon back with his parent club due to a lack of game time.
In the five years since he made his first-team debut, Nketiah has played 92 times for the Gunners and scored 23 goals, including 10 in 27 in 2021/22 – his most productive season to date.
