Mikel Arteta names Arsenal star who trains harder than everyone else

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Mikel Arteta has lauded Eddie Nketiah after the Arsenal striker scored to help the Gunners book their fourth round spot in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday – in comments reported by Football London.

What’s the story?

Arsenal will face Leeds for a place in the quarter-final after seeing off AFC Wimbledon at the Emirates.

It was Nketiah who put the exclamation point on the victory, with an absolutely delicious finish in the final stages.

He flicked Cedric Soares’ cross into the far corner after Arsenal produced some superb work down the right.

Of course, supporters will be wary of getting carried away given the opposition they were facing.

But it was certainly a reminder of the quality Nketiah can provide when he is at his best.

And following the game, Arteta suggested that it was a reward for how hard he works on the training ground.

“There has been a lot of speculation around him, a lot of debate,” he said, as reported by Football London.

“He puts his head down, he trains harder than everybody else, he helps himself. He supports every teammate no matter the circumstances.

“So, I am so happy for him it’s not a coincidence that he was able to perform at that level and physically how he managed that game because he trains like the best every day.”

Nketiah facing crucial period in Arsenal career

As things stand, it appears that Nketiah will be at a new club at some stage next year. His contract expires next summer, and efforts to extend his deal over the summer reportedly came to nothing.

It would have seemed unthinkable when he scored twice against Norwich in one of his first appearances for the club that he would be on the verge of leaving on a free transfer at the age of 22.

Unfortunately, there are doubts over whether he has kicked on enough. And it may be that a move away from the Emirates may be best for all parties.

But more goals like the one he scored against the Dons, and Arsenal may be left with some food for thought.