Arsenal striker in contract u-turn with new long term deal set to be penned

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is set for a dramatic U-turn over his future, with the 22 year old now expected to sign a new contract at the Emirates Stadium.

Nketiah starred at the end of the 21/22 campaign, netting 5 times in 8 appearances even as his side spluttered over the finish line in an ultimately disappointing 5th place. And, it was thought that he had played his last game for the Gunners, with the England youth international out of contract in the summer and having rejected previous attempts to keep him in north London.

Speaking after the 5-1 final day win over Everton, Mikel Arteta did not sound too hopeful of keeping him either, telling reporters that ‘it’s been decided [his future], but it’s very difficult to communicate it’.

Now, however, it seems as though he is set to stay, with the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting that Nketiah has changed his mind about his future, and could now sign a deal up to five years long with Arsenal.

🚨 Eddie Nketiah understood to have changed mind on leaving Arsenal. 22yo striker was set to go as free agent but now expected to sign new contract. Deal not finalised but duration likely to be up to 5 years @TheAthleticUK after @SamiMokbel81_DM scoop #AFC https://t.co/8kltB6bRc0

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 25, 2022

How will this change Arsenal’s transfer plans?

It was thought that Arsenal would need to be in the market for two strikers this summer, but keeping Nketiah may reduce that need to just one out and out striker. It may, in turn, shift the focus instead to the Gunners looking to bring in a wide forward in addition to a natural striker, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Cody Gakpo both fitting the bill.

It will also help beef out a threadbare Arsenal squad ahead of a return to European football next season, while they keep a player that would otherwise have walked away for free.