Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah scored a hattrick against Sheffield United on Saturday, but the club continue to be linked with Brentford attacker Ivan Toney.
There has been much debate over whether Arsenal need a striker in January given the options they have, and if Toney does arrive, there will be big question marks over Nketiah’s future place in the team.
Fabrizio Romano has now shared what Arsenal’s current attitude towards Nketiah is, with the 24-year-old currently on five league goals for the season following his hattrick.
Fabrizio Romano gives Nketiah update
Speaking on The Debrief Podcast, Romano claimed that Arsenal are very happy with Nketiah and his future at the club is assured.
“Arsenal really wanted him to stay, they extended his contract months ago, so the idea has always been to trust him. I have no indications of him leaving,” Romano stated of Nketiah.
Eddie Nketiah vs Ivan Toney
Arsenal continue to be linked with Toney, who could cost £65m to sign in January. Given that Nketiah seems to be staying, Toney would arrive as one of five centre-forward options, with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard also available to Mikel Arteta.
Nketiah’s stunning hattrick earned him praise from Tim Sherwood, who described the forward as “top-drawer.”
Given that Toney will be returning from a long-term ban, whilst Nketiah is in fantastic form in front of goal, it may not be the case that the 27-year-old is an immediate upgrade on the Arsenal academy product.
Should Toney arrive, Nketiah may end up featuring on the wings more, but given the potential fee, and the options Arsenal have, it would be a surprise if such a huge fee is spent on a player who has note featured since last season.
With Jesus now injured, Nketiah will likely continue to be trusted to lead the line, and if he delivers more performances like he did on Saturday, he will soon negate the need for Toney to come in.
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