LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal celebrates scoring the team's first goal ... [+]
Eddie Nketiah was seen as a future Arsenal centre forward long before he’d even made his first team debut for the club. Indeed, Nketiah has been on the Gunners’ books since the age of 18 when he was widely considered one of the best young attacking talents in English soccer. Arsenal thought they had the next Ian Wright on their hands.
For the most part, Nketiah has far failed to live up to the expectations placed on him in the early stages of his career. Now 24, he has yet to truly establish himself as a key figure for Arsenal. However, the last nine months has seen him make a breakthrough of sorts at the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah has started both of Arsenal’s opening two fixtures of the new Premier
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 18: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hugs Eddie Nketiah after the Premier ... [+]
Gabriel Jesus’ injury at the 2022 World Cup opened the door for Nketiah to make an impression last season. He had to help maintain Arsenal’s impressive start to the 2022/23 Premier League campaign and chipped in with a number of goals as Mikel Arteta’s team went toe-to-toe with Manchester City for the title.
Ultimately, Arsenal finished second as City showed their superior experience down the home stretch of the title race. Arteta appears determined to build on that and take the Gunners one step further with close to £200m spent on the signing of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this summer.
Tellingly, Arsenal haven’t moved for a new centre forward despite Jesus’ continued injury troubles. Arteta is clearly satisfied with Nketiah as an important squad figure with Folarin Balogun also on the books of the Gunners after an impressive season on loan with Reims in Ligue 1. Arsenal’s attacking ranks are set for the season ahead.
Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah and Crystal Palace's Joel Ward (left) during the Premier League match at ... [+]
This season is Nketiah’s opportunity to prove he can fulfil the potential he demonstrated as a teenager. As recently as 12 months ago, he looked to be on his way out of Arsenal. The Gunners were reportedly open to selling the striker with Nketiah keen to find regular game time somewhere else.
Circumstances, however, have changed and Nketiah is offering Arsenal plenty as their current first-choice number nine. Even if he’s not finding the back of the net, the 24-year-old’s speed over short distances and willingness to get in behind gives the Gunners’ attack a different dimension. He’s worth keeping around.