Arsenal are still optimistic that Eddie Nketiah will sign a new contract to remain with the club, according to a report.

Football.London write that Arsenal remain optimistic that Eddie Nketiah will sign a new deal to stay at the Emirates Stadium, despite rejecting offers to extend earlier this season.

The topic of Nketiah’s contract has become more of a talking point in recent weeks, with the 22-year-old scoring four goals in five consecutive starts – the most Premier League starts in a row he’s ever made.

The goals couldn’t have come at a better time, with Arsenal bouncing back from a three-game losing streak to win four on the bounce going into the North London derby.

Another goal or two on Thursday in a win over their local rivals, and Nketiah and Arsenal would secure a top-four finish.

If Nketiah’s goals do get Arsenal into the Champions League, it’s not exactly a surprise that they’d be keen to keep him around.

But the big question is whether they could convince him he’d still be playing matches next season.

Charles Watts writes for Goal that Nketiah has resisted a number of attempts to extend his contract, and further talks are expected in the coming weeks before he decides whether to stay or go.

Plenty of reports have suggested Crystal Palace are interested in Nketiah, and Watts confirms they still maintain a strong interest, adding that Brighton are also monitoring the situation.

In Germany, Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly after Nketiah.

Those clubs may well be offering a starting role Arsenal could be hesitant to guarantee, especially whilst they’re pursuing a centre-forward signing.

The Gunners will at least have European football to offer, Champions League or not. It’s just a question of whether that’s enough.