Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has opened up on reported West Ham target Eddie Nketiah’s future, speaking to the club’s official website.
The 21-year-old was linked with the Hammers earlier this week as David Moyes looks to add a striker to his squad this summer and Arteta could have paved the way for further Irons interest.
He said: ”When he’s (Nketiah) played, he’s played well, but at his age and for what he’s done the last two or three seasons, he needs more minutes. It’s something we have to talk about openly and make the right decision.”
Despite being highly thought of at the Emirates having been recalled early from a loan spell at Leeds United last season and hailed as ‘phenomenal’ by his manager in the past, Nketiah has struggled to hold down a place.
Featuring in just 319 minutes across 14 Premier League appearances, the England Under 21 goal machine has only managed to score against the Irons in the league this term.
READ WEST HAM VERDICT
Although his Premier League statistics would turn many Hammers off the idea, Nketiah is a player with bundles of potential and the London Stadium could be the ideal place to showcase his talents.
Realistically coming in as an understudy and occasional support act to Michail Antonio for at least next season, the Gunners starlet could be seen as the ideal man for the job.
Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, the Hammers hierarchy would be reticent to pay anywhere close to that amount, especially as the striker approaches his final 12 months under contract.
