Jamie Carragher has advised Eddie Nketiah to leave Arsenal this summer in order to become a top striker.
Nketiah scored two goals on Sunday as Arsenal beat Leeds United 2-1 at the Emirates to move four points clear of Tottenham in the race for a top-four finish.
The 22-year-old has started Arsenal’s last four Premier League wins and, with his contract running out in the summer, Mikel Arteta reportedly wants to keep the striker at the club.
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But, Carragher, the former Liverpool defender, believes Nketiah would be better served leaving the Emirates at the end of the campaign to get the chances he needs to develop.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: ‘Yes (Arsenal should try to keep him) but I don’t think he’ll ever end up first-choice striker, so I think it would be better for him to move on.’
Since coming through the club’s academy, Nketiah has struggled to nail down a first-team place at the Emirates, often playing a bit-part role in cup competitions.
However, he has risen to prominence in recent weeks scoring a brace at Chelsea in a 4-2 victory and playing a major role in a 3-1 win against Manchester United last month.
In the Gunners’ victory over Leeds, his sharp pressing gifted him the opening goal as Illan Meslier’s attempted clearance rebounded off the striker into the net. And, a clinical finish saw him score a second.
Nketiah has now scored four goals in his last four Premier League games which will have caught the eye of potential suitors.
Speaking after the game, the striker revealed his delight at being given an opportunity to impress under Arteta.
He said: ‘Any player just wants to be playing and get the opportunities. I’ve worked hard throughout the season to make sure that I was ready when I get my chance and credit to my team-mates for helping me play and do well. I’m just happy in the team and helping.
‘It’s a great atmosphere throughout the whole season, it’s been excellent. You really feel the connection between the players and the fans, it’s amazing to be involved.’
