Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah is determined not to settle for a role as a benchwarmer at the Emirates Stadium. The striker is facing increased competition for a starting position following the arrival of Kai Havertz, who adds to the team’s attacking options.
Folarin Balogun has also returned from a successful loan spell at Reims and might remain at Arsenal, further adding to the competition for Nketiah. While Havertz is primarily a midfielder, his versatility as a player has seen him play as a striker during his time at Chelsea, which could potentially impact Nketiah’s chances in that role at Arsenal.
Despite the competition, Nketiah had signed a new long-term contract before the start of the previous season, demonstrating his commitment to the club. However, he is eager to ensure he gets regular playing time despite the increased competition. As the season approaches, Nketiah might find himself lower in the pecking order among the club’s strikers, making it even more crucial for him to work hard and fight for his spot in the starting lineup.
Speaking about a possible bench role, the striker said as quoted by Leeds Live:
“No, I don’t think I have accepted that and I will never accept that.
“That’s not my mentality. That’s not why I signed here to sit and be second best. I want to be the best. I want to play and that’s the mentality I have. I realise I might not play every game and that’s the coach’s decision but it’s never going to be my mentality to accept not playing.
“I am going to always push in training to get opportunities to show why I think I should be playing and to give the manager a headache. Most players should have that mentality.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Nketiah did well to earn his new contract at the club, but the striker may struggle to get game time next season.
If he wants to play often, he may have to consider leaving the Emirates on loan for some months, so he can prove he has what it takes to shine in England.
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Who can argue with his mentality? He is not expecting to play due to entitlement, he wants to push and earn his place. Nothing wrong with that in my mind, I would love to see improvement from him and prove he has what it takes to lead the line for Arsenal.
I still think if MA really believes in Eddie he should give him a run of starts to give him a real chance.
I mean if he means what he says, why not?
Balogun got stick but never said he expected to be a starter. I wonder if Nketiah will be criticized or praised for his statement.
Let’s see the reaction; remember Arteta sold Emi for similar statements about wanting guarantees about not sitting on the bench.
Nketiah should leave, he’s not the quality we need for titles and trophies. 4 years has shown that, it’s time to upgrade.
Give Balogun a chance; maybe he will be maybe he won’t. Hopefully it won’t take 4 years to figure it out.
Needs to chase down defenders for 90 minutes not just the first 25 minutes. Also needs to practice being more creative if unable to score goals. He also needs to make more proactive runs in the box, ie fox in the box, that is what suits him best. Just my opinion from watching him play.
He will get games due to cup competitions and the added games from champions legue we have to now play.
Well if neither Eddie nor Flo want to sit on the bench, maybe Arteta can get each a Barcalounger and they can rest and recline while watching the game.
ESR sat on the bench for a season and a half, and I haven’t heard him complaining!!!!
If it was me, I would sell both of these whiners and try to buy Lautaro Martinez from Inter.