Eddie Nketiah is ready to play for Arsenal regularly as the club’s man of the moment gets ready to grab his chance.
Another two goals against Fiorentina to go with his winner against Bayern Munich, coupled with his second man of the match award, Eddie Nketiah has been the standout player of Arsenal’s tour of the States.
Many expected the 20-year-old to be sent out on loan for next season but speaking after the game on Saturday, Unai Emery confirmed he wants the player to stay with the first team.
Eddie feels like he’s ready.
“I feel like I have been improving until being at a stage now when I am ready to play regularly,” Nketiah told reporters. “I am trying to show in pre-season that I have developed and I am ready to show what I can do.
“There was talk of [a loan move in January] and it was close to happening but the club decided that I should stay and I tried to finish the season as strongly as possible.
“After the tour, it’s something that I will look at with my family and speak to the manager and see what is best for me.
“They [Ian Wright and Thierry Henry] are probably two of my favourites,” added Nketiah. “I was with Ian Wright not long ago and got some advice and it’s nice to speak to those guys who have been your idols.
“I worked with Thierry as well [in the academy]. Thierry was great for me, not just on the pitch but off the field as well.”
There is no shortage of teams willing to take Eddie on loan. Bristol City and Charlton have both been linked however the Addicks boss, Lee Bowyer, said he also believes Nketiah will remain at Arsenal for the upcoming season.