Auba aside, another ‘phenomenal’ Arsenal striker could give Arteta a tough decision to make this summer – TBR View

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a tough decision to make on Eddie Nketiah this summer, given how great he’s been at age level, but with little return at senior level.

The 21-year-old became the all-time top goalscorer for England’s Under-21s last year, surpassing Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers, and currently boasts a tally of 16 goals from 14 Young Lions appearances.

Nketiah will hope to add to his tally in the March international break as Aidy Boothroyd’s charges prepare to face Switzerland, Portugal and Croatia in the group stage, with the knockout stage to be played in May and June.

Hinchcliffe believes the Hale End graduate could have a big say in these game given his “phenomenal” record at this level.

“Aidy is looking at a blend of experience and some newcomers,” Hinchcliffe told Sky Sports. “Smith Rowe, Josh Griffiths, Noni Madueke and Tanganga are all uncapped, while Tom Davies is in with the most caps.

“Eddie Nketiah is the obvious player to look at – if you want to win these games, Nketiah’s goalscoring record of 16 goals in 14 caps is phenomenal at this level.”

The thing is, Nketiah has been a superb player for Arsenal and England at age level, but admittedly, he’s yet to kick on at senior level and has struggled for game time this season.

And with his contract expiring at the end of next season, Arteta has a tough decision to make – does he cash in on the striker or does he offer him a new contract in hope he’ll kick on next term?

The U21 European Championships could prove to be a good shop window for Nketiah, and Arteta could then decide what to do after the group stages and the knockouts at the end of the season.