Arsenal confirm Eddie Nketiah contract and announce new shirt number

Arsenal have confirmed the poorly kept secret that Eddie Nketiah will remain at the club, having penned a ‘long-term contract’ at the club.

Nketiah seemed certain to leave the club, but a run of starts towards the end of the season, in which he found the net five times, changed the opinion of the 23 year old, who instead saw a future for himself leading the Arsenal frontline.

The contract will take him beyond a decade at the club, having joined in 2015 from the Chelsea academy, and will likely see him handed added game-time next season, with Arsenal competing on multiple fronts next season.

Just getting started…

We’re delighted to announce @EddieNketiah9 has signed a new deal ✍️

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 18, 2022

Mikel Arteta told the club’s official website that “I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. 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.”

Meanwhile, Technical Director Edu Gaspar 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”, he added.

The club also announced that Nketiah will wear the no.14 shirt at the club, most recently vacated by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and immortalised at the club by Thierry Henry. It is a massive statement for a club that also handed other Hale End graduates the no.10 and no.7 shirts.

Gabriel Jesus latest

Meanwhile, Arsenal are closing in on a deal with Manchester City over Gabriel Jesus, with reports suggesting that they have had an initial offer turned down, but that a renewed offer of around £45m would be enough to secure the 25 year old.

Arsenal remain in talks with Manchester City over deal for Gabriel Jesus. Opening offer worth initial £35m plus add-ons was rejected by #MCFC in midweek. Second bid anticipated. Per source, feeling £45m would be enough to entice sale following arrivals of Haaland & Álvarez. #AFC

— Ryan Taylor (@RyanTaylorSport) June 18, 2022

Should they get that deal over the line, they are also keen on adding Youri Tielemans, Raphinha, and Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez to their ranks, while an announcement on the signing of Fabio Vieira from Porto is imminent.