NKETIAH MAY STAY IF HE IS MAIN MAN

ARSENAL must convince new first-choice striker Eddie Nketiah that he will not revert to a peripheral role next season if they are to keep the forward beyond the summer. The England Under 21 striker has overtaken Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order and Arsenal are ready to make one final attempt to convince Nketiah to sign an extension. The academy graduate has spent most of the season on the bench and was expected to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June. Indeed, his advisers have spent the last few months in talks with numerous overseas clubs ahead of the transfer window. A number of Premier League sides are also set to make formal offers at the end of the season, with Crystal Palace long-standing admirers. Nketiah, 22, has already turned down several contract offers from the Gunners, but the prospect of playing more regularly for Arsenal could yet influence his final decision as he prioritises his game time. Mikel Arteta wants to sign at least one new striker this summer — with Gabriel Jesus a target — which could leave Nketiah back out in the cold.