Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has discussed the future of striker Eddie Nketiah amid rumours over a move to Olympique Marseille this summer.
The Hale End academy graduate has impressed since coming through into the first-team squad under Mikel Arteta.
Nketiah has scored 38 goals and assisted seven times for his teammates in 168 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions.
While the 25-year-old has shown glimpses of being a key player for the Gunners, he picked up just nine starts in the Premier League last season.
That has led to rumours over his future, with recent reports claiming that Marseille are in talks with Arsenal for Nketiah this summer.
Following the clash with Lyon in pre-season, Arsenal boss Arteta was quizzed on the striker’s future.
Mikel Arteta discusses Eddie Nketiah transfer
With the Premier League season just around the corner, Arteta was questioned on the future of Nketiah for the campaign.
The manager said in his press conference: “All the players that are here there’s the biggest chance that they stay with us, that’s why they’re here.”
It hints at a potential stay for Nketiah, despite all of the talk surrounding a potential transfer exit in the weeks ahead.
If the forward stays, it reduces the chance of the Gunners moving into the market to land another centre-forward option.
Viktor Gyokeres has been rumoured with a move to Arsenal this summer, along with a host of other options.
Nketiah is one of several possible players who can play in that role for Arteta in the season ahead.
Arsenal striker options
If Arsenal do stick with Nketiah, then Arteta has plenty of different players he can use in the centre-forward positions.
Kai Havertz may be the favoured option after the German international fought his way into the centre-forward role.
Gabriel Jesus is capable of playing up front as well as the wide areas, while Leandro Trossard is also capable of featuring there too.
Nketiah’s skillset is different to those named though, featuring as more of a box striker who can take those big chances.
It remains to be seen if the England international will stay at London Colney, but he could still be an important part of any title push.
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