<p>Arsenal finally looks set to sell Eddie Nketiah ahead of the summer transfer deadline on Friday. The center-forward had previously been linked with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/marseille-tv-schedule/">Marseille</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nottingham-forest-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Nottingham Forest</a> in recent weeks. However, the French side could not agree on a final fee with the Gunners. Forest, on the other hand, failed to entice Nketiah to join the club with a suitable contract.</p>



<p>Nevertheless, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/crystal-palace-tv-schedule/">Crystal Palace</a> has now jumped in and quickly agreed a deal with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a>. The Eagles will pay their English counterparts <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5724107/2024/08/27/crystal-palace-eddie-nketiah-medical/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$33 million</a> for Nketiah. If the deal ends up working out well, Palace will then have to pay Arsenal an extra $6.6 million in add-ons. The forward is set to undergo an official medical with his potential new team.</p>



<p>Once regarded highly at the club, Nketiah has since fallen down the pecking order with the Gunners in recent years. The center-forward has only managed to start 10 of Arsenal’s last 48 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> matches. He has even been overlooked in each of the team’s first two games of the current campaign.</p>



<h2>Arsenal’s current net spend is now lower than other English rivals</h2>



<p>Assuming the deal between Arsenal and Palace is finalized, the Gunners should have money to spend on a replacement. Including the Nketiah deal, the North London side has recorded a net spending of about $42 million this summer. This figure includes the recent $35 million signing of dynamic midfielder Mikel Merino.</p>



<p>While $42 million is not exactly pocket change, it is a fraction of what other big English clubs have spent so far. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all currently have a net spend of well over $100 million this summer. The former two teams are also not done spending just yet. Liverpool and Manchester City, on the other hand, have resisted splashing the cash so far.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240827_WST_525006_Nketiah-move-Arsenal-1200x675_ec71588e.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-525108" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Nketiah-move-Arsenal-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Nketiah-move-Arsenal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Nketiah-move-Arsenal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Nketiah-move-Arsenal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/Nketiah-move-Arsenal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Not only is Arsenal’s net spend fairly low now, but the sales of Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe represent pure profits. This is due to the duo both being Arsenal academy graduates. Because of this, their entire transfer fees, collectively around $74 million, can go against profit and sustainability rules. Meanwhile, transfer fees on incoming players can be spread out to five years.</p>



<h2>Gunners should be targeting versatile forwards in the coming days</h2>



<p>Arsenal brass could make a major splash by signing a world-class center-forward to replace Nketiah. Nevertheless, manager Mikel Arteta loves Kai Havertz in the role. The Gunners also have Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard in the position as well. Jesus is currently injured and regularly misses game time though. Trossard, on the other hand, is better suited out wide on the left flank.</p>



<p>With this in mind, Arsenal will more likely target a versatile forward who can play both wide and through the middle. Bukayo Saka is the undeniable superstar in the team at the moment. However, the winger does not have much competition at the right winger position. The Gunners would be wise to sign a player who can fill in for Saka at times and also deputize Havertz.</p>



<p>In bringing in Nketiah, Palace will now likely have to make another move as well. The Englishman did not switch from North London to South London to sit on the bench. The Eagles already have Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Édouard in the position. With Mateta recently flourishing under manager Oliver Glasner, Édouard may likely be soon on his way out of the club.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Nketiah deal gives Arsenal funds for new attacking target

Crystal Palace has agreed a deal to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal. With extra funds, the Gunners can now target a versatile forward.

<p>Marseille is continuing to negotiate a potential deal with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> regarding center forward Eddie Nketiah. The French side officially submitted their second offer for the striker on Tuesday evening. The proposal, however, is not thought to be sufficient to satisfy the Gunners. </p>



<p>Both offers were in the region of $21 million, but <em><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5670214/2024/07/30/eddie-nketiah-marseille-arsenal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Athletic</a></em> reports that the latest approach was structured a bit differently. This payment formula seems to be close to what Arsenal wants. Nevertheless, the total amount is still well below the north London outfit’s overall asking price for Nketiah.</p>



<p>Assuming the two sides can ultimately agree on a fee, the forward should move to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/marseille-tv-schedule/">Marseille</a> quite quickly. Various outlets have claimed that Nketiah has already agreed to a long-term contract proposal from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1</a> team. The striker is also reportedly eager to play for Roberto De Zerbi as well. The Italian manager recently signed on with Marseille after departing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brighton-tv-schedule-where-to-watch-the-seagulls/">Brighton</a> in May.</p>



<h2>Striker has not yet shown to be overly productive goalscorer</h2>



<p>Arsenal’s asking price regarding Nketiah has varied in recent weeks depending on the source. Most agree that the Gunners are hoping to receive around $38 million for the forward though. The fairly large fee is fueled by the fact that Nketiah is a homegrown player and is currently under contract until 2027. As a result, the Gunners are not exactly in a rush to sell the striker.</p>



<p>Arsenal, however, could certainly benefit from upgrading at the position. Nketiah has essentially fallen behind Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as manager Mikel Arteta’s preferred center forward. The Gunners have an overall solid starting XI, but the number nine role is potentially the team’s lone weak spot. If they can sell Nketiah, Arsenal would almost certainly reinvest in the position.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240731_WST_519617_Nketiah-bench-1200x675_edac0117.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-519679" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nketiah-bench-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nketiah-bench-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nketiah-bench-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nketiah-bench-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Nketiah-bench.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<p>Nketiah was previously a highly-rated youngster in the team’s youth ranks. There were even suggestions around Arsenal that he could eventually become the club’s star striker. The forward has unfortunately not exactly proven to be a prolific goalscorer. Now 25, he has managed to rack up just 19 goals in 116 total Premier League fixtures.</p>



<p>Many of these appearances have come from the bench though. For instance, Nketiah has featured in 57 total English top-flight games over the last two seasons, but for just 2,143 total minutes. This is essentially the equivalent of 24 90-minute matches. During this timeframe, Nketiah has only scored nine total goals.</p>



<h2>Arsenal likely have to lower Nketiah’s asking price</h2>



<p>Because of these factors, Arsenal are likely going to have to lower their demands to offload the third-choice forward. Marseille’s latest offer is undoubtedly still a bit low, but the two teams may have to meet somewhere in the middle to complete the transfer. </p>



<p>The Gunners are hoping that other clubs soon enter the mix. Fellow Premier League sides <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/crystal-palace-tv-schedule/">Crystal Palace</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/wolves-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Wolves</a> have previously shown interest in Nketiah as well. A best-case scenario for Arsenal is if these two teams enter the fray and submit serious offers for the forward. This, however, has not yet occurred and may not happen at all this summer.</p>



<p>Arsenal brass is trying to get the most out of a potential sale. This is a tactic that every team should be doing. Nevertheless, they need to be a bit more realistic regarding Nketiah. A potential fee in the $25 million to $30 million region would seemingly be more appropriate.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

Arsenal have to lower demands in order to sell Nketiah

Marseille continues to negotiate a potential deal with Arsenal for center forward Eddie Nketiah, but the two teams remain far apart in evaluations.

Arsenal have to lower demands in order to sell Nketiah - World Soccer Talk


<p>Arsenal crushed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sheffield-united-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Sheffield United</a> on Saturday by a scoreline of 5-0. The Gunners were fueled in the match by a hat trick from center forward Eddie Nketiah. It was the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> international’s second ever three-goal game for the club and first in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> play.</p>



<p>The Gunners started the match with multiple changes to their team compared to a midweek matchup with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sevilla-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Sevilla</a>. Star striker Gabriel Jesus was completely left out of the squad due to a <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/arsenal-duo-jesus-and-partey-again-suffer-injury-setbacks-20231027-WST-465339.html">muscle injury</a>. Manager Mikel Arteta also placed Martin Odegaard, Gabriel, Jorginho, and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the bench. In their places, Emile Smith Rowe, Jakub Kiwior, Kai Havertz, and Oleksandr Zinchenko earned starting spots for the club.</p>



<p>The hosts started the match, quite predictably, on the front foot. Despite the changed lineup, Arsenal dominated possession and played some slick passes in the early stages of the game. While the Gunners looked solid early, they couldn’t quite break down Sheffield United’s defense. In fact, the only shot recorded by the hosts in the opening 20 minutes of the match was blocked before it could reach Wes Foderingham in goal.</p>



<h2>Nketiah grabs opening goal to get Arsenal going en-route to hat trick</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, Nketiah finally put Arsenal ahead in the 28th minute after a glorious touch and finish beyond the goalkeeper. Declan Rice picked up an assist for the goal by sending a low cross into the box towards his teammate. Nketiah collected the ball, neatly bypassed a Blades defender, and slotted a shot easily by a diving Foderingham. It was the first attempt on target in the match by either side.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excellent skill and finishing from Eddie Nketiah!<br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/USANetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USANetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/sB2ltdI9XF">pic.twitter.com/sB2ltdI9XF</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1718274265416597855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Arsenal continued to pour the pressure on the visitors in the latter stages of the opening period.  Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe both had solid chances to add to their club’s lead, but neither could send a shot by Foderingham. As a result, the Gunners entered the halftime break with just a one-goal lead.</p>



<h2>Striker completes hat trick with two second-half scores</h2>



<p>Nevertheless, it took less than five minutes for Nketiah to double Arsenal’s lead in the second half. Foderingham essentially fumbled a deep cross into his box from a corner kick. The ball then fell straight to the scorer from just a few yards away from goal. Nketiah emphatically placed a powerful shot into the top far corner of the net. There was a relatively short VAR review for a possible infraction by Ben White, but the goal was ultimately rightly allowed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231028_WST_465545_heck-1200x670.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-465623" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/heck-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/heck-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/heck-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/10/heck.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Paul Heckingbottom is facing an incredibly bleak future as Sheffield United manager</figcaption></figure>



<p>Nketiah then completed his hat trick in the 58th minute with an absolutely stunning strike from distance. Smith Rowe found the striker in a little bit of space just outside of the Sheffield box. The England international collected the ball, turned slightly, and sent an incredible shot into the back of the net. Foderingham made an attempt to save the shot, but the ball was perfectly placed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Eddie Nketiah&apos;s got his first Premier League hat trick! 🔥<br><br>📺 <a href="https://twitter.com/USANetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USANetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/UqxQ1gjIVt">pic.twitter.com/UqxQ1gjIVt</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1718286504408006846?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Substitutes add finishing touches on Arsenal’s victory</h2>



<p>The hosts were then awarded a penalty kick with just a few minutes remaining on the clock. Despite the decision not initially being given on the pitch, replays showed substitute Fabio Vieira was taken down inside the box by Oliver Norwood. Although Nketiah grabbed the ball to seemingly take the spot kick, he eventually gave the ball to Vieira. The Portuguese playmaker stepped up and simply slotted a shot by Foderingham.</p>



<p>Tomiyasu finished things off for the hosts with a goal six minutes into added time. The defender latched onto a loose ball inside Sheffield’s box from a corner kick. It was the Japanese full back’s first ever goal for the club in his 50th Premier League appearance.</p>



<p>The win takes the Gunners up to second in the t<a href="https://www.premierleague.com/tables" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">op flight table</a> for the moment. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-city-tv-schedule/">Manchester City</a> could eventually jump their rivals with a win by at least four goals on Sunday. Sheffield United, on the other hand, remain bottom of the league with just one point so far this season.</p>



<p>Photo credits: IMAGO / PA Images : IMAGO / Pro Sports Images</p>


Nketiah nets first EPL hat trick as Arsenal thumps Sheffield Utd

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah scored his first ever Premier League hat trick during a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United


<p>Arsenal started their 2023/24 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> campaign with a home win against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The hosts dominated the travelers for much of the match, but held on to a narrow 2-1 victory in the end. Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka scored the goals for the Gunners inside the first half.</p>



<p>Saturday’s kickoff was delayed by about 30 minutes due to an issue with the e-ticketing system at Emirates Stadium. Thousands of fans had to wait outside of the arena until the issue was fixed. The extra time appeared to have slowed play at the start of the match. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> had plenty of possession, but couldn’t quite create much going forward in the opening 20 minutes.</p>



<h2>Gunners score twice in six minutes after slow start</h2>



<p>Forest forward Brennan Johnson had the best scoring opportunity during this timeframe. The striker found himself one-on-one in acres of space with Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. However, Johnson fired his shot wildly high and wide to scupper the golden opportunity. It turned out to be the only shot taken in the first half for the visitors.</p>



<p>While Arsenal may have started a bit slow in attack, they finally got on the scoreboard in the 26th minute. Gabriel Martinelli helped create the goal with excellent work down the left flank. The Brazilian was able to beat two defenders with a pirouette and back-heel pass to Nketiah. The striker collected the ball and sent a shot passed former teammate Matt Turner.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BRILLIANT skill from Gabriel Martinelli to set up Eddie Nketiah’s goal! 🤩 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFC</a><br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https://t.co/khwmysZmOY">pic.twitter.com/khwmysZmOY</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1690342343096893440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Arsenal doubled their lead six minutes later with a brilliant finish by Saka. The winger picked up the ball, cut back towards the middle of the pitch, and sent a rocket into the far top corner of the net from outside of the box. Although Turner made an attempt to block the shot, the American couldn’t get anywhere near the ball.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There&apos;s nothing like a BANGER from Bukayo Saka! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/OFv20KvXjV">pic.twitter.com/OFv20KvXjV</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1690360086353301504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Forest make it interesting late in game</h2>



<p>The opening 20 minutes or so of the second half were much like the early stages of the first period.</p>



<p>Arsenal dominated possession, but couldn’t quite add to their lead. In a piece of bad news for the home crowd, Jurrien Timber had to be substituted after just a few minutes into the half. The defender went down untouched with an apparent <a href="https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/breaking-arsenal-injury-timber-forest-27509143" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">leg injury.</a> He was previously booked just before halftime after a heavy challenge on a Forest attacker.</p>



<p>However, the visitors grabbed a goal back in the 82nd minute thanks to a goal by Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker was picked out just in front of Ramsdale by fellow substitute Anthony Elanga. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> winger made a long run down the left flank and then sent a low cross towards his teammate inside of the box.</p>



<p>Forest’s goal certainly put the pressure on the hosts for the remaining moments of the match. Nevertheless, the Gunners would hang on for the victory. Arsenal will next travel south to face Crystal Palace, while Forest host Sheffield United.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images</p>


Arsenal edge Forest thanks to stellar first-half display

Goals from Nketiah and Saka gave Arsenal an opening-day victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal edge Forest thanks to stellar first-half display - World Soccer Talk


<p>Arsenal went on the road to Oxford in the FA Cup to continue its hot form. Goals from Mohamed Elneny and Eddie Nketiah allowed Mikel Arteta’s side to advance to the FA Cup Fourth Round. This is already a better result than what the Gunners did in 2021/22. Last time around, <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/forest-dump-arsenal-out-of-fa-cup-as-spurs-survive-scare-20220109-CMS-365634.html">Nottingham Forest defeated Arsenal</a> in the Third Round.</p>



<p>However, that was a different <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/teams/arsenal-tv-schedule/">Arsenal</a> team. In both league play and cup action, Arsenal seem to be hitting on all fronts both offensively and defensively. Even though Arteta deployed a lineup that differs from his traditional starting XI, each player performed well. </p>



<p>On the attack, Eddie Nketiah grabbed a brace. Both goals, one-on-ones with Oxford goalkeeper Edward McGinty, showed Nketiah’s patience in front of goal. On one, he dribbled around McGinty before passing into the net. On the other, he dinked it past the goalkeeper for Arsenal’s third. Nketiah is on decent form since the World Cup return. He started each of Arsenal’s four games including this one at Oxford. He now has four goals in those games.</p>



<h2>Second-half flurry pushes Arsenal past Oxford FA Cup</h2>



<p>While Nketiah’s goals steal the headlines, Arsenal ran through its midfield. The opener came from Mohamed Elneny, an unlikely goalscorer, off a set piece. Fabio Vieira whipped the ball into the box with his left foot. Both Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu made an attempt on the ball. Yet, the Egyptian just stuck his head out a little farther.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mohamed Elneny gives Arsenal the lead against Oxford United in the FA Cup 👏 <a href="https:\/\/t.co/yGDPU44gtC">pic.twitter.com/yGDPU44gtC</a></p>— ESPN+ (@ESPNPlus) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ESPNPlus/status/1612562271263420417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Fabio Vieira picked up his second assist as he slotted through Nketiah on Arsenal’s second. The Portuguese was making just his 10th start on the season after moving over from Porto in the summer for around <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.com/fabio-vieira/transfers/spieler/537598" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$35 million</a>.</p>



<p>He, along with Elneny and Albert Sambi-Lokonga, represented the ‘cup’ midfield. Sambi-Lokonga and Vieira featured frequently in the Europa League group stage, but have seen scarce action in league play where Arsenal continues to thrive. While that middle three would always be favored against League One side Oxford, they had minimal missteps in this game. </p>



<p>Arsenal’s defense, featuring American Matt Turner in goal, did not yield any considerable chances to Oxford. In the second half, Arsenal shut down the game. Arteta even experimented with Oleksandr Zinchenko in a midfield role, something he does often with the Ukraine National Team.</p>



<h5>Mega clash in FA Cup Fourth Round</h5>



<p>The reward Arsenal earned by defeating Oxford is a trip to the Etihad to take on Manchester City. The two clubs at the top of the table are yet to play this year. Their game early on in the campaign got bumped back due to Arsenal making up a Europa league fixture. </p>



<p>Therefore, this FA Cup tie is the first time fans get to see league-leading Arsenal take on league favorites Manchester City. Even though that game is not until January 28, those two sides look set to continue their fine form.</p>



<p>The only concern would be for <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/charles_watts/status/1612563461845782528" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bukayo Saka</a>. The young English winger left the game early with an injury. He was able to walk off under his own power.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / News Images</em></p>


Arsenal dispatched Oxford in the FA Cup Third Round, setting up a sensational clash with Manchester City in the Fourth Round.

Arsenal score three in second half, defeat Oxford in FA Cup


<p>Arsenal reiterated their title credentials on Boxing Day after coming back from behind to beat West Ham United by 3 goals to one, thanks to a stunning second half comeback at the Emirates. </p>



<h5>West Ham take the lead</h5>



<p>Said Benrahma’s penalty in the 27<sup>th</sup> minute had given the visitors an unlikely lead but an explosive second half which saw the Gunners score three goals in 16 minutes gave the home side three points.</p>



<p>The result meant Mikel Arteta’s side have gone 7 points clear over second placed Newcastle at the top of the table.</p>



<p>David Moyes’ side came into the game with a clever game plan to play long balls in the heart of the Arsenal defense which Mikel Antonio could exploit with Jarrod Bowen and Benrahma’s runs in behind. </p>



<p>This clearly worked as Bowen was caught by William Saliba following a long ball that Antonio held up and laid off; and despite Arsenal’s complaints the penalty had been given. Benrahma stepped up to score to give the visitors a vital lead which they held on going into the interval.</p>



<h5>Saka transforms the game</h5>



<p>The Gunners however looked transformed after the break with Bukayo Saka restoring parity in the 53<sup>rd</sup> minute. </p>



<p>The English youngster who had a fine <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">World Cup</a>, picked up the ball in the penalty box and calmly slotted past Lukasz Fabianski after Martin Odegaard’s left footed effort was heading wide. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So bright for his country and so bright for his club, Bukayo Saka levels the match!<br><br>📺: <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/ARSWHU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSWHU</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/qxZHDuapq3">pic.twitter.com/qxZHDuapq3</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607486024279625728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Five minutes later, Granit Xhaka found Gabriel Martinelli in the left flank and the Brazilian took a quick first touch before lashing it past Fabianski in the near post to give the table toppers a 2-1 lead. </p>



<p>Chants of ‘One Arsene Wenger’ rounded across the Emirates with the legendary former manager in attendance.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The league leaders take the lead with two goals within six minutes!<br><br>📺: <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/peacock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peacock</a> <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/MyPLMorning?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MyPLMorning</a> | <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/hashtag/ARSWU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ARSWU</a> <a href="https:\/\/t.co/PRFoesspi2">pic.twitter.com/PRFoesspi2</a></p>— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/NBCSportsSoccer/status/1607487404641853440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Eddie Nketiah completed the rout in the 16<sup>th</sup> minute with a brilliant turn and shot past the helpless Fabianski in the Hammers goal. </p>



<p>Arsenal had turned the game on its head and the result squashed any claims that this young Arsenal side might crumble under pressure as they chase the Premier League title.</p>



<p>The results sees Arteta’s side go 8 points clear of reigning Champions Manchester City who are in third, having played an extra game. For West Ham, its back to the drawing board for Moyes who is now under pressure and time running out with his team in 16<sup>th</sup> having now lost 4 games on the trot.</p>



<p>Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire</p>


Arsenal beat West Ham by three goals to one to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal extend lead at the top after stunning second half comeback - World Soccer Talk

Arsenal extend lead at the top after stunning second half comeback

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>Eddie Nketiah will soon sign a new long-term contract with Arsenal. News of the new deal came as a bit of a shock for many fans and pundits around the world. After all, the 23-year-old striker seemed almost certain to depart The Emirates following his contract expiration this month. Nketiah himself even suggested he could move on from the Gunners just a few months ago.</p>
<p>After Eddie Nketiah scored a hat trick in the Carabao Cup against Sunderland in December, the English youth international talked to SkySports. Nketiah proclaimed he needed more playing time.</p>
<blockquote><p>“I’m desperate to play football, every player wants to play. All I can do is keep working hard. It will sort itself out, hopefully I get opportunities. I’m eager to play football, I’m here under contract. As long as I play for Arsenal I will give it my all. If the manager needs me I will be ready to help the team.”</p></blockquote>
<p>Mikel Arteta afforded Nketiah more opportunities down the stretch in the Premier League. This worked well for Nketiah’s desires and those of Arsenal. Nketiah scored five goals in the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/11/arsenals-top-four-push-thriving-despite-three-major-obstacles/">final eight matches during Premier League play</a>. This vote of confidence undoubtedly helped persuade Nketiah to stay in north London.</p>
<h3>Risks of the new Eddie Nketiah contract</h3>
<p>Retaining his young striker will surely make Arteta happy. However, the impending move remains a gamble for both sides. Nketiah performed well down the stretch for Arsenal. Yet, Arsenal fans await a major impact from the striker over the duration of a season. Over 59 Premier League matches with Arsenal, Nketiah has just <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/eddie-nketiah/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/340324">10 total goals</a>. Clearly, the youngster is not exactly a prolific scorer.</p>
<p>Also, the Gunners supposedly want to keep Nketiah as a second option in attack moving forward. Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus is clearly an Arsenal target. If that transfer goes through, the Brazilian likely takes over the role of leading the Arsenal line.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Nketiah has actually been better for the Gunners in recent years as a starter in Arteta’s XI. The center forward has 14 goals in 26 total starts in all competitions since the start of the 2020/21 campaign. In comparison, he netted four goals in 29 total substitute appearances during the same timeframe. In fact, all 10 of his goals during last season came when he started the match up front.</p>
<p>On the player’s side of things, it is a bit surprising that Nketiah would be willing to potentially sit behind another striker. His comments following the Sunderland hat trick represent his frustration over playing time. However, Arsenal’s qualification to the Europa League should provide ample opportunities in different competitions in the upcoming season.</p>
<h5>Means of the deal</h5>
<p>Arsenal is reportedly giving Nketiah a fresh £100,000-per-week long-term deal. Although this would mean that his wages would be doubled compared to his last contract, it wouldn’t necessarily break the bank or be any hindrance to any future player contracts. Even if the Gunners can pry Jesus from Manchester City, the club would potentially be paying Nketiah and Jesus a fraction of what they were paying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in recent seasons.</p>
<p>The (likely) manageable wages aside, both the club and Nketiah hope this gamble will pay off in a big way going forward. Just turning 23, the striker still has plenty of room to grow as a player.</p>
<p>If he works, he could become a vital piece to the puzzle at a team that he quite clearly loves.</p>


The new Eddie Nketiah contract locks up the 23-year-old's services, but it may not be the right solution for player or club.

New Eddie Nketiah contract is a gamble for both Arsenal, player - World Soccer Talk

New Eddie Nketiah contract is a gamble for both Arsenal, player

<div id="attachment_368654" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-368654" class="wp-caption-text">Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images</p></div>
<p>In the summer of 2021, Arsenal took a gamble in the transfer market by bringing in a <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/05/mikel-arteta-and-arsenals-summer-transfer-gamble/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wildly young crop of players</a>.</p>
<p>Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Ødegaard looked like a project for years down the road. However, that Arsenal gamble in the summer transfer window is paying off. The four aforementioned players are mainstays in an Arsenal side fighting for the Champions League.</p>
<p>In January, Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu rolled the dice again. The North London side did not bring in any new players in the winter transfer window. Despite not signing new reinforcements during the winter transfer window, the duo shifted five senior players off of the books in the last few weeks.</p>
<p>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers, Sead Kolasinac, Pablo Mari, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles all departed the club. Maitland-Niles moved to Roma on a loan until the end of the season, while the others are permanent deals.</p>
<p>These moves did not surprise most fans and pundits following the Gunners in recent months. After all, none of the quintet played a single Premier League minute since December 7. Clearly, Arteta and Edu prioritized moving these weekly wages off the books.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, the Gunners could be shorthanded if injuries/COVID cases start to pile up. Arsenal already dealt with COVID-19 issues, leading to some games being postponed.</p>
<p>The young players will continue to garner invaluable experience in the Premier League. Yet, there are now question marks over depth.</p>
<h3>Arsenal transfer market gamble leaves gaps</h3>
<p>On one hand, the Gunners have just 17 total matches left between now and the end of May. The reason comes from the fact that Liverpool and Nottingham Forest knocked Arsenal out of the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, respectively. Arteta and company likely felt a little more comfortable moving players with the lightened load of games. Similarly, it made Arsenal less desperate to bring in more options.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/12/20/arsenals-youth-project-continues-to-produce-results/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>Arsenal’s youth project continues to produce results.</em></p>
<p>Even then, 17 games with the uncertainty of COVID and injuries is no slight task. Essentially, there are two positions There are essentially two positions in which Arsenal could potentially be light at over the next few months.</p>
<h5>Center back</h5>
<p>As things stand, Arsenal has just three center backs on the current senior roster.</p>
<p>Gabriel and Ben White dominate the playing time at the back of Mikel Arteta’s side. The third is Rob Holding, who has 75 appearances for the club since arriving in 2016. Holding fills in the gaps if there is any injury or suspension from White and Gabriel.</p>
<p>After that, Takehiro Tomiyasu can play in central defense. However, that leaves Cedric Soares starting important matches at right back for the club. Kieran Tierney and Granit Xhaka could also make emergency appearances at center back if needed.</p>
<p>Speaking of Xhaka, central midfield is an area in which fans have expressed the need for reinforcements in January. This is not so much about depth, more so talent in an integral part of the pitch. Xhaka and Thomas Partey are practically guaranteed starters in midfield. Moreover, Arsenal have solid backup options in Sambi Lokonga, Mohamed Elneny and Martin Odegaard. The aforementioned White can also take up a role in the middle if required.</p>
<h5>Striker</h5>
<p>The center forward position, however, is a much more delicate situation right now for Arsenal. Since Aubameyang’s dropping from the team, Alexandre Lacazette mans the number nine slot for the Gunners. The Frenchman is obviously a good player in the team’s build up play. Still, he lacks the scoring touch, at least in recent games. In fact, Lacazette has just two goals in his last <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/alexandre-lacazette/leistungsdaten/spieler/93720" target="_blank" rel="noopener">13 Premier League matches</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2022/01/06/how-arsenal-actually-improve-without-aubameyang/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE:</a>&nbsp;</strong></em><em>How Arsenal actually improve without Aubameyang.</em></p>
<p>Arteta likely plans to utilize Eddie Nketiah as a backup to Lacazette at the position until the end of the current campaign. Nketiah shows talent for a 22-year-old, bagging five goals in 42 Premier League fixtures.</p>
<p>Arsenal missed out on the Dusan Vlahovic sweepstakes. The Serbian international opted to stay in Italy, joining Juventus for almost <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/dusan-vlahovic/transfers/spieler/357498" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$90 million</a>. Several reports claimed Arsenal offered around $80 million for the Fiorentina striker. Essentially, the North London club had the money to spend. Rather, Arsenal opted for the gamble in the January transfer window. A striker likely tops the list of needs for the club in the summer.</p>
<h3>Moving forward in the current campaign</h3>
<p>With Aubameyang off to Barcelona and Lacazette and Nketiah likely departing this summer, the Gunners will have to make at least one major signing at the center forward position. Much like how Arsenal gambled during the 2021 summer transfer market, they have also taken a chance on the rest of the current campaign. Not only are Arteta and company gambling on the fitness of the team, but they also are hoping to finally get their center forward target in the summer.</p>
<p>If the Gunners can hold it together and finish strong this season, the club’s brass will have plenty of money and available roster spots to make moves this summer. The gamble during the last summer transfer window seems to be paying off and Gooners will be hoping that Arteta still has aces up his sleeves for 2022.</p>
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<div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk" title="World Soccer Talk Podcast" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">World Soccer Talk Podcast</a> · <a href="https:\/\/soundcloud.com/worldsoccertalk/interview-with-arseblogs-andrew-mangan-about-arsenal" title="Interview with ArseBlog&apos;s Andrew Mangan about Arsenal" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener">Interview with ArseBlog&apos;s Andrew Mangan about Arsenal</a></div>


In the summer, the Gunners took a risk on a handful of young players. Arsenal made another transfer market gamble in January, but differently.

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