Mikel Arteta makes transfer decision on Eddie Nketiah as interest in Arsenal striker hots up

EDDIE NKETIAH will not be sold despite increasing interest in the Arsenal hitman from other Premier League clubs.

Despite his limited game time, the Gunners need the 24-year-old for their title chase and European commitments.

Mikel Arteta’s side remain top of the table after securing a hard earned point at Anfield on Saturday night.

And Nketiah was called upon for the 17th time in the league this season to help see out the 1-1 draw.

No other Arsenal player has bagged more times in the Prem this season than the 24-year-old with five goals so far this term.

Nketiah has also registered a further three assists and offers an impressive work rate when asked to press by Arteta.

The Spanish boss will be hoping his team break their long running curse of failing to win the league when topping it on Christmas Day.

And Nketiah is believed to be a crucial part of the squad to help them continue to push for a first league title in 20 years.

On top of that he offers an option to rotate as the Gunners hope to progress further into the Champions League this season.

But his goal scoring exploits haven’t gone unnoticed by other top sides with interest in a potential transfer increasing among other Premier League clubs.

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Reports have linked both Brentford and Crystal Palace to the Arsenal striker with other clubs said to be interested too.

Note of his ability was taken by Gareth Southgate in recent months as well with Nketiah called up to the England squad twice and making his senior Three Lions debut against Australia in October.

Arteta has made his feelings about Nketiah clear and gushed over the academy graduate’s ability following his hat-trick against Sheffield United earlier in the season.

He said: “He’s got an eye for goal. You look at his stats from the last 10 years. What he’s done is remarkable.

“He needs minutes, opportunities and service. If he gets that, Eddie is going to score goals, that’s for sure.

“He’s a great player for Arsenal. He can be better, yes. And the best thing is the talent that he’s got, but especially his mentality is incredible.

“When he has that mentality with that talent, he’s going to get much better.”