AccuratePredict examines Eddie Nketiah’s ups and downs at Arsenal over the past 12 months and how his stats compare to his flamboyant rival Gabriel Jesus. Nketiah always come on as a substitute before Gabriel Jesus sustained knee injury for Brazil in the world cup but now uses both hands to capitalize on chances
Eddie Nketiah has been pondering his future at Arsenal last season, with several different options on the table.
Crystal Palace have been following Nketiah for some time, and German club Borussia Mönchengladbach have also been snooping around the 23-year-old. Both wanted to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.
By mid-April Nketiah had made just five starts and his prospects at the Emirates looked bleak with just two and a half months left on his contract. His writing seemed to be on the wall as Nketiah was eager to leave to scout for first team opportunities.
However, when Alexandre Lacazette lost his place in the team, Nketiah took advantage, scoring five goals in the final eight games of the season. Manager Mikel Arteta convinced the striker that he had a future at Arsenal, and Nketiah agreed to a long-term stay in north London.
But the arrival of £45m Gabriel Jesus from Man City has given him more time on the bench. Until Jesus healed his knee injury at the World Cup against Brazil, Nketiah was content as Arsenal’s cup forward, restricted to substitute appearances in the Premier League.