Arsenal player Eddie Nketiah remains on the hunt for a January transfer despite his starring performance against Sunderland on Tuesday, as per a report.
Nketiah was the man of the match in the Carabao Cup tie at Emirates Stadium after bagging an impressive hat-trick. He was joined by Nicolas Pepe and Charlie Patino on the scoresheet as Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners.
Mikel Arteta’s side will face Liverpool in the last four, as they aim to add another trophy to the Arsenal cabinet.
Nketiah took his goals brilliantly, demonstrating his ability as a poacher. His third goal was top class, as he flicked a Pepe pull-back into the far corner.
The Daily Mail provide an update on Nketiah’s future. They claim he is still on course to leave the Gunners, even though he thoroughly enjoyed his outing against Sunderland.
Arsenal have been trying to finalise a new contract for some time now. But the 22-year-old is wary of an extension as he wants regular first-team football.
His current terms expire in June, which puts two main options in front of the star. He can pursue a move in January, which would see Arsenal pick up a small fee, or leave the club in the summer for nothing.
Nketiah’s ability has put a number of clubs in line for his services. He is the subject of interest from the German Bundesliga and French top flight.
Closer to home, West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton are keen to snap him up.
Arteta said recently: “We are trying really hard to do the best that we can. The contract has an expiry date and you cannot control that.
“We have had discussions with Eddie for a long time. He is a player we admire and want to keep.”
Merson weighs in on Arsenal saga
Meanwhile, Gunners legend Paul Merson has been speaking about Pepe’s future.
The £72m man shone in the Carabao Cup win, registering a goal and two assists.
But he is still low down in the pecking order when it comes to Premier League matches. “I think if they could sell him in January, they’d probably sell him,” Merson said.
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“In my opinion, I think he would go and move on if he could. He just hasn’t been consistent enough. The ones in front of him have been consistent.
“He can be an 8/10 or a 4/10. As a manager you just want someone who’ll be a steady seven, seven and a half.”
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