Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is expected to leave for free at the end of the season. The 22-year-old’s contract expires in June 2022, and he will not renew his deal with the North London club. The report comes from the Sun, who state that Nketiah is frustrated with his situation in the squad.
The striker has not played a single minute of football in the Premier League this season. He has, however, scored two goals in his two EFL Cup appearances for the Gunners.
Despite the lack of minutes for Nketiah, Mikel Arteta has insisted that he wants the player to stay at the Emirates. However, it seems like Nketiah has accepted that he is low in the pecking order, and has little chance to break into the team.
Arsenal academy graduate Folarin Balogun recently signed a contract extension with the Gunners and was promised more game time. Since Mikel Arteta plays with one striker leading the attack, there are a number of options available to him and Nketiah is surplus to their requirements. He is only a backup for Lacazette, Aubameyang and Balogun now.
German club Borussia Monchengladbach are interested in signing the striker on a free transfer next summer. Eddie Nketiah will be allowed to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with Monchengladbach in January, having six months remaining on his deal.
Crystal Palace are also interested in the youngster, in hopes of keeping him in England, his home country. The situation will become clearer once the January transfer window opens up for business.
