Eddie Nketiah snubs new contract at Arsenal amid lack of playing time

Arsenal will lose the services of Eddie Nketiah next year amid his reluctance to sign a new contract, Sky Sports reports.

The club graduate has entered the final year of his deal, and he can sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.

It is now reported that Nketiah has snubbed an extension at the club and the decision has no relation to finances.

The choice has been made for the betterment of his career, having struggled for game time with the Gunners.

The 22-year-old does not appear short of offers with interest from Nice, Borussia Monchengladbach among others.

Our view:

Mikel Arteta has spoken glowingly about Nketiah this term, but the striker has still remained out of contention.

He was injured at the beginning of the campaign when Gabriel Martinelli and Folarin Balogun were handed starts.

Since his comeback, he has failed to play a single league minute, and has made the bench on just two occasions.

It appears a no-brainer for him to move on as he is no longer considered a regular part of the league plans.

The Gunners have the option of accepting a cut-price deal for his signature at the turn of the year.

However, they may wait until the back end of the winter transfer window before considering bids.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe could be absent from early January due to African Cup of Nations.

An early return for one of the pair could pave the way for Nketiah’s exit if there are any suitable offers.

The £45,000-a-week star has started and scored in two Carabao Cup ties for the Gunners this season.

He is likely to make the starting XI when they entertain Sunderland in the quarter-final on December 21.