Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, journalist Pete O’Rourke mentioned that West Ham United have set their sights on Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer. It is understood that the Hammers are eyeing a move to recruit the English forward in this transfer window.
Nketiah’s Impressive Role In North London Last Season
Nketiah played an important role in Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s squad last season when he put in a string of productive displays for the Gunners in the final third. The 25-year-old found the back of the net six times and earned three assists in 37 matches for the Gunners last season in all competitions.
The English talent made most of his appearances off the bench which explains why he only averaged 1.4 shots, 0.3 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game in Premier League football. He distributed the ball relatively well in the opponent’s half after making 79.9% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Emirates Stadium will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it difficult for West Ham to sign him on the cheap later this year.
Should West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui Move In For Nketiah?
Nketiah can engineer a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He can be a streaky goal-getter in the final third and can create the odd chance for his teammates up top. The English forward is also quite clever with his movements in and around the opponent’s penalty box. However, he is in dire need of more first-team starts if he wants to improve as a striker in the coming seasons.
Nketiah would bring more firepower to West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui’s attack. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular first-team place at the London Stadium next season.
At 25, Nketiah has got his best years ahead of him which makes him a worthy target for the Hammers to pursue in this summer transfer period. Therefore, Lopetegui would be wise to move in for the English attacker ahead of the new campaign. Nketiah already knows the Premier League well and could help the East London club challenge across all fronts in the future.
