Eddie Nketiah Signs New Arsenal Deal As Arsenal Confirm New Number

Arsenal’s very own Eddie Nketiah has officially extended his stay at Arsenal, signing a deal to take him through until 2027. 

There was a moment in time where the Hale End graduate extending his contract with Arsenal appeared unlikely. Shoehorned in behind Alexandre Lacazette, and made a passive bystander as the Frenchman squandered chances, the 23-year-old looked set to leave the club he’d called home since he was 14.

However, fast-forward to June, the record England u21 goal-scorer not only has a new contract but a new number too, the historic no.14. The number is immortalised in Gunners history, the weight of the number more than any other at the Emirates. It represents something greater than other numbers, it represents leadership, authority, and unbridled talent. 

The number was of course immortalised by Thierry Henry, and since then two of the highest goal-scorers of the Emirates era (Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang) have come to don the famous number. 

Nketiah will take the number 14 for next season.

Heavy are the shoulders that bear no.14, but Nketiah is acutely aware of that, as is Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. He sees his young forward as embodying all that a player representing the famous red and white should embody: 

“I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club. We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”

Having tied the 23-year-old down to a long-term deal, and having given him *the* iconic number, fans can expect Nketiah to play a core role for the Spaniard going forward. However, any contributions the Englishman does make won’t be alone. 

Arsenal are active in the market for attacking reinforcements, with a deal for Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus said to be close. Optimism is seeping out of London Colney right now, and permeating into the fanbase. A deal for Porto’s Fabio Vieira was confirmed, along with the Athletic reporting that Edu and co. have no plans to slow down. 

Nketiah’s signature is another step towards returning to the Champions League. Signings are necessary, but so is keeping talented players from the academy, the fundamental ethos of Arsenal. He may wear the historic no.14 shirt now, but the number of a genius rests firmly on humble, hard-working shoulders.