Arteta Desperate To Keep Hold Of Nketiah
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists he wants Eddie Nketiah to remain at the club despite his lack of playing time.
Nketiah showed a glimpse of his undoubted potential with a brilliant hattrick as Arsenal beat Sunderland 5-1 to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old has only made six appearances across all competitions this season and recently rejected the offer of a new contract as he continues to push for more playing time.
Nketiah’s current deal with the Gunners expires at the end of the season.
"I tell you every day that we want to keep Eddie," Arteta said at the post-game news conference. "We see how he trains, that’s what he does every day, he works so hard and puts the ball in the net every session.
"I am really delighted with him. Every time we have needed him he has always responded."
"We are trying [to re-sign him]. It’s not about anything else but minutes. He wants game time, he wants to be on that field and that is the only reason to say, 'Can I do it here?' That’s the question. We all want him to stay."
Nketiah’s treble was the first of his club career, and the former England youth international highlighted the importance of his teammates in the achievement.
He told Sky Sports: "It's a great feeling. I just want to say a big thank you to my team-mates.
"I had some really good assists today; I just had to be in the right place.
"It's great to get my first hat-trick for Arsenal in the senior team.
"This is the competition where I've been getting starts and opportunities to play.
"Whenever I'm asked to play, I'm going to do my best to help the team. I'm ready if the manager needs me.
"I'm desperate to play football. All I can do is keep working hard and hopefully, I'll get opportunities."
