Paul Merson says Eddie Nketiah will have to make the ‘right move’ if he is to leave Arsenal as he believes the striker is at a critical juncture in his development.
Nketiah is out of contract with boyhood club Arsenal at the end of the season and there is mounting uncertainty over the 22-year-old’s future ahead of the January transfer window.
The England Under-21 international has impressed when given the chance this term, scoring five goals in five Carabao Cup appearances, but he has grown frustrated over a lack of regular playing time.
The Gunners’ latest contract offer was swiftly rejected by Nketiah’s camp and London rivals Crystal Palace have been credited with a strong interest in the forward this winter.
However, Mikel Arteta is determined to keep hold of Nketiah – with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to depart – and former Arsenal star Merson has urged the young attacker to think twice before leaving.
‘Where do you go? Go and play at Crystal Palace and all of a sudden you’re playing up front and you’re working on scraps,’ Merson said on Sky Sports.
‘You’re touching the ball twice a game, you’re coming off the pitch and scratching your head, going: “I didn’t even get a chance today!”‘
Merson was reminded about the success right-back duo Tino Livramento and Tariq Lamptey have enjoyed since leaving Chelsea in search of regular minutes elsewhere in the Premier League.
‘Of course it’s different [what position you play]. It’s 100 times different,’ Merson replied.
‘It’s alright playing football but you’ve got to make the right move. The agent will be saying to him, “Move on, move on! Get out of here, I can buy my girlfriend a car!”, do you know what I mean? Think of the lad.
‘If he goes to Crystal Palace, no disrespect to…
Source : metro
