Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has now sent a message to the Hale End academy prospects currently on the club’s pre-season tour in the US.
Eddie Nketiah is currently on the other side of the Atlantic, as part of the Arsenal squad that are set to take on Premier League opponents in a series of three pre-season friendlies
First, Mikel Arteta’s side will come up against Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles, before bringing the curtain down on their American jaunt with a showdown against Liverpool in Philadelphia.
However, Arteta is without a number of his key players for this tour. Plenty of Arsenal stars are still on holiday, having competed in the later stages of international tournaments earlier this summer. For instance, Gabriel Martinelli was recently seen in the new Arsenal kit, enjoying a casual kickaround with friends.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Gabriel and his wife Gabrielle Figueiredo have taken their daughter on a trip to Disneyland, Florida.
Due to the absence of such big name players, Arteta has called up plenty of youthful prospects from the club’s Hale End academy system to fill out his squad on this tour.
Eddie Nketiah urges Hale End gems to shine on Arsenal tour of US
Nketiah is a product of the Hale End academy system himself, and was invited on such a pre-season tour himself for the first time whilst he was still in the youth system.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the 25-year-old has now sent a message to the current crop of youngsters who are on the road with the Gunners’ first team group.
He said: “Pre-season is really good for a lot of the lads who haven’t trained or played with us that much to show what they can do. It gives people opportunities to show themselves and get fit, so hopefully they can take them.
“It’s a platform, even for us now, to make our mark and start playing games regularly and get fit. I think there are a lot of examples of players who did well in pre-season and gone on to play and have minutes in the first team, so it’s a really good chance.
“I know what it’s like for the young kids coming through so I’m just trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible. We have a really good group of guys, everyone is really nice and welcoming and tries to make everyone feel good.
Certainly, Arteta has done all he can to ensure his Arsenal squad bonds whilst all in America together.
Nketiah set for Arsenal transfer exit
This is looking likely to be the last time Nketiah ever joins Arsenal on a pre-season tour. The forward is now on the verge of leaving the club.
Marseille are trying to sign Nketiah. The striker is open to the move, and the clubs are expected to come to an agreement.
Now certainly feels like the right time for the once-capped England international to move on. He fell down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium last season, and needs to be playing regular football at this stage in his career.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
