Eddie Nketiah: Arsenal striker signs new long-term deal, Gunners also interested in Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez | football news

Eddie Nketiah has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, with the striker receiving Thierry Henry’s legendary No14 shirt in the process.

The 22-year-old was in fine form for the Gunners at the end of last season, scoring five goals in eight games for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Nketiah’s previous contract expired at the end of this month Sky sports news In late May, he revealed that despite interest from Crystal Palace and Borussia Monchengladbach, the striker had decided to stay at the club after being persuaded to stay by Arteta.

“I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us,” read a statement from Arteta on the club’s website. “He represents what we are about and all the values ​​of the club.

“We are delighted that he has extended his contract and now we must get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person we have in him.”

Nketiah’s new No 14 shirt was worn by Arsenal legend Henry between 1999 and 2007, with the Frenchman scoring 228 goals for the Gunners in two separate spells.

The number has since been given to strikers – with Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang taking the mantle as Arsenal’s No.14. Walcott scored over 100 goals for Arsenal in his Gunners career, while Aubameyang struck 92 with that number before leaving for Barcelona in January.

Arsenal in talks about Ajax’s Lisandro Martinez

arsenal have also held talks with Ajax over a deal for centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

The first attempt for him should have taken place at the end of May after the end of the season.

A deal is not believed to be close just yet – Arsenal’s recruitment staff are also currently working on a number of other positions – but all sides are open to a deal.

Arteta is said to be a big fan of Martinez and the player is also intrigued by the idea of ​​working with him.

Argentina international Martinez is a left-footed centre-back – a prime asset in this summer’s transfer market.

Sky sports news A source in Europe has informed that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has also asked to be kept up to date on Martinez’s situation.

“Nketiah deal shows Arteta’s traction”

Sky Sports News reporter Mark McAdam:

“There have been doubts about Eddie Nketiah’s future and he has signed a new long-term contract. The man who joined Arsenal as a 14-year-old is now 22 and is now committed to his future. He was from last year His current deal is seen as a major coup for Mikel Arteta.

“He wears number 14, if anyone in the Arsenal dressing room knows what it’s about, it’s Thierry Henry.

“The five goals in Arsenal’s last eight games shows that he could perhaps be considered Arsenal’s number one striker. It feels like a signing and they can now plan around him.”

Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth:

“It shows the pulling power of Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar. Crystal Palace loved it, Borussia Mönchengladbach loved it. It’s what Mikel Arteta said to him that convinced him to stay.

“It’s not the end of what Arsenal is trying to achieve with this attack. They lost Aubameyang and Lacazette and while Folarin Balogun will come back, Arsenal want to step up in that area.”

Arsenal near Vieira | Gunners optimistic about Man City’s Jesus

Nketiah’s commitment to Arsenal is a boost for Arteta, who is also looking to bolster the Gunners’ attack with two new faces in this window.

Porto confirmed the deal to sell midfielder Fabio Vieira to Arteta’s Arsenal for £34m including add-ons in a statement on Friday.

Vieira will add more creative talent to Arsenal’s ranks as the highly-rated midfielder hit a league-high with 14 assists in the 2021/22 Primera Liga season.

Arsenal are yet to announce the signing but Vieira is said to have been in north London for a medical on Thursday.

Since then, the Gunners have cooled their interest in Youri Tielemans, making it more likely that the Belgium midfielder will sign a one-year contract extension at Leicester.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are “cautiously optimistic” about getting a deal over the line for Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus.

The north London club have worked with striker’s representative Marcello Pettinati for almost six months to ensure they are in pole position to recruit him from the Premier League champions this summer.

Jesus expressed his desire to join the Emirates in early June and the only obstacle so far has been the gap between the two clubs’ ratings.

Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures 2022/23

Arsenal kick off their 2022/23 Premier League season on August 5 at Crystal Palace, live on Friday Night Football.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, then host Leicester City on August 13 before traveling to newly promoted Bournemouth on August 20.

The Gunners’ first north London derby will be played at the Emirates Stadium on October 1, while the second leg will be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 14 to start the new year.

Arsenal’s last game before the season break for the Winter World Cup takes place on the weekend of 12/13. November at the Wolves. They will then return to action on Boxing Day entertaining West Ham.

The last day of the Premier League season is May 28, when Arsenal will complete their season at home against Wolves.