One Mikel Arteta decision v West Ham could define £40m star’s future at Arsenal

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Eddie Nketiah already faces an uncertain future at Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta could define what the future holds in store for Eddie Nkietah at Arsenal this afternoon.

Against Liverpool last time out, with first choice striker Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injury, Arteta turned to Kai Havertz to lead the line.

Whilst the German did not get on the scoresheet, he produced a strong performance, and was able to use his physicality in a way which really helped his teammates around him. After that showing, Havertz was credited with being able to provide something that Nketiah can’t when he is tasked with spearheading the Arsenal attack.

It is easy to see why Arteta might prefer Havertz to Nketiah in a big match against opposition such as Liverpool. Against sides who will try to go toe-to-toe with Arsenal and take them on, the former Chelsea man offers much more in terms of being able to hold up the ball, compete for duels, and drop back to lend support in the middle of the park. Meanwhile, the Hale End academy graduate can easily find himself bypassed by the play in such matches.

What role will Eddie Nketiah play for Arsenal v West Ham?

Against West Ham United this afternoon, though, the Gunners face a very different proposition than they came up against in Liverpool.

Arsenal may well be without Jesus again, or at least the Brazilian might not have 90 minutes in him. The Hammers are likely to sit deep and look to frustrate Arsenal with a determined defensive effort. Given Jesus’ potential absence, and the fact that Nketiah is a more natural and clinical finisher than Havertz, he may well feel that this is a match that suits his skillset, as space will be at a premium and sharp movement in the box will be required.

Therefore, if Arteta does not turn to Nketiah at the London Stadium in any meaningful way today then it is hard to see what function the 24-year-old serves in the Arsenal squad at this time.

Time is running out for Nketiah to prove that he can shine consistently at the highest level. It may well become clear this afternoon that Arteta has already made up his mind about the player.

If that is the case, then clearly the once-capped England man has no future at the Emirates Stadium.

Earlier this season, Crystal Palace made an approach for Nketiah but were rebuffed. The Gunners will surely seek to cash in on the £40 million-rated forward this summer though if Arteta has decided that he is no longer in his plans.