Eddie Nketiah signs new long-term Arsenal contract – with striker swapping to No 14 too

Eddie Nketiah has agreed a new contract at Arsenal, putting an end to speculation surrounding his future with the north London club.

The Gunners haven’t specified the length of the extension, but it has been described as a long-term new deal for the striker.

Nketiah joined Arsenal’s youth academy in 2015 after being released by London rivals Chelsea and progressed through to the first-team, making his debut in 2017 against BATE Borisov.

He has since gone on to play 92 games for the club, scoring 23 goals and was part of the Arsenal side that won both the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2020.

The 23-year-old ended the 2021-22 campaign on a high, starting the final eight league games of the season and scoring five goals in those games.

Nketiah will also be switching squad number after extending his stay in north London, swapping the No 30 shirt for the No 14 shirt, famously worn by club legend Thierry Henry between 1999 and 2007.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was thrilled to keep hold of Nketiah and is looking forward to helping him develop further at the club.

Mikel Arteta ‘delighted’ Eddie Nketiah is staying

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, he said: ‘I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club.

‘We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.’

Technical director Edu added: ‘The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our academy system.

‘Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player.

‘The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season and we’re all delighted.’