Mikel Arteta comments on out-of-favour Arsenal star, amid reported West Ham interest

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta has told his pre-Burnley press conference on Wednesday morning – as per Football London – that striker Eddie Nketiah deserves more game time, amid reported interest in the English striker from West Ham United.

Nketiah, 21, has managed just five goals this season – but has started only 13 of his 24 league and cup appearances througout 2020-21. Of those 24 games, he has completed an entire 90 minutes on just three occasions.

He has been prevented from developing any momentum, with Arteta clearly giving preference to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette up top. Gabriel Martinelli might be considered ahead of him, too.

Nketiah is on a three-man West Ham shortlist, according to the Daily Star – as the Hammers look to bring in competition for Michail Antonio. Tammy Abraham and Ivan Toney are also options, and Arteta has stated Nketiah needs minutes.

“He needs to play. We wanted to use him a bit more in some occasions and we didn’t. To be fair when he’s played he’s played well, but at his age and for what he’s done in the last two or three seasons he needs more minute,” Arteta said.

TBR’s view – West Ham would be a good move for Nketiah

He might not start, with Michail Antonio in the form he is in – but Nketiah would get plenty of game time. If West Ham qualify for Europe, too, then £45,000-a-week (Spotrac) ace Nketiah is going to get plenty of chances from the off – especially in Europe.

Antonio is seemingly unable to play two games a week on a regular basis and given the ex-Nottingham Forest man is 31 at the end of this month – he might not have much more than a couple of seasons at this level. Nketiah would be ideal.

It is a move that suits all parties involved. Nketiah stays in London but joins a side likely to be in Europe and getting regular game time. Arsenal get a bit of cash to put towards other signings, and West Ham get a young English star with potential.