Merson gets Eddie Nketiah prediction spot on as Arsenal heroics spark confusion

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Paul Merson was spot on after lavishing praise on Eddie Nketiah, who starred against Sunderland in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Arsenal emerged 5-1 winners over their League One opponents at the Emirates to book themselves a semi-final position.

And it was Nketiah who was the star of the show – netting a hat-trick at a timely moment for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta has made a point of hanging Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out to dry after stripping him of the captaincy and ostracising him from the squad.

While replacements in the transfer market have been discussed, Arsenal might have themselves the ideal man already waiting in the wings.

And former Gunners star Merson had been full of praise for the striker before the match – though his situation at the Emirates is unclear.

He said: “The lad never lets you down. He comes into the team and knows he’s not going to play against Norwich on Boxing Day.

"But, he’ll still turn up tonight and put in a performance. That’s what I like about him.

"He’s hungry and there’s talk that he doesn’t want to sign the contract. Which I can understand as he wants to play.

"He’s at Arsenal, an unbelievable football club, you’re young and have time so be patient. He’s a great finisher, goalscorer and has good pace.

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"If I was his agent I would be signing again. I left Arsenal, it’s different.

"This is an unbelievable football club. You only realise when you leave."

Nketiah is out of contract at the end of the season and has reportedly told Arteta that he has no intention of signing a new deal, meaning he will be free to leave for nothing in the summer.

Crystal Palace and Leeds United had been interested and could reignite their attempts to snap up the striker yet Arsenal fans have been left bamboozled over his situation.

One fan said: "Nketiah hat trick and he’s bouncing on a free starting next month. Arsenal."

While another wrote: "Whether you think Nketiah is of the standard to improve Arsenal in the league or not, one thing is clear, he's worth far more than £0 if he ends up leaving on a free."

And a third said: "A breathtaking goal from Nketiah, man needs to sign da ting. Even better than the second."

  • Arsenal FC

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