Mikel Arteta is said to be ‘desperate’ to keep hold of Eddie Nketiah as six Premier League rivals consider a move for the out-of-contract Arsenal forward.
Nketiah’s current deal expires at the end of the season and there has so far been little progress on an extension, with the 22-year-old seeking a guarantee of first-team football before committing to a new deal at the Emirates.
Nketiah made his first Premier League start of the season in April but has since impressed after an extended run in the side, scoring braces in crucial wins over Chelsea and Leeds as the Gunners edge closer to Champions League qualification.
The Mirror are reporting that Mikel Arteta is now keen to secure a new deal for the forward and talks have resumed between the club and the player’s representatives.
Arsenal are willing to offer Nketiah a huge increase on his current wages in a bid to persuade the forward to remain in North London, though face a fight to hold onto the academy product with a host of rival sides monitoring developments.
Crystal Palace tried to sign Nketiah last summer and in the January transfer window and remain keen, whilst West Ham, Brighton and Newcastle are among the other sides interested in a summer deal.
Nketiah also has admirers in Europe with one ‘serious’ club from Germany credited as a suitor and the forward has several options as he weighs up the best step for his career.
Nketiah is the record goalscorer for England u21s with 16 goals from 17 caps for the Young Lions, but has struggled for opportunities at Arsenal until his recent run in the side.
The Gunners also have Alexandre Lacazette out of contract at the end of the season and the potential departure of both players will mean additional reinfrorcements are required this summer.
