Edward Nketiah says Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta ‘knew I could deliver’ when called upon and is committed to filling the gap up front after Gabriel Jesus picked up a knee injury.
Gabriel Jesus will be out for a few weeks after undergoing minor surgery on the same knee that also underwent surgery last December that kept him out of action for more than three months.
Nketiah has previously impressed in Gabriel Jesus’ absence, scoring six goals in the Gunners’ first six games after the World Cup in Qatar, but he has not found the net since January 2022, a streak that lasts 14 games.
He scored in Wednesday’s Emirates Cup tie against Monaco, which Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
“I don’t think I’m here to replace anyone,” Nketiah was quoted as saying by ESPN.
“I’m here to play and contribute to the team.
“Obviously, I believe in my abilities and I know I can contribute. The manager has made a difficult decision and every time he calls me he knows I can deliver and I can help the team, so it’s about all of us collectively playing our part. ” to achieve our goal.”
Reflecting on his work in the team during Jesus’ absence last season, Nketiah continued: “I’m really enjoying it and being able to improve, test myself, I played some really big games and I can help and contribute.
“So about that, obviously playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and that’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to contribute.
“I pride myself on being always available and whatever role the manager needs me to fill, I will always make sure I do my best and to the best of my abilities so I can help the team – that’s the point.”
Arteta can use Nketiah up front although he also has US international Folarin Balogun in his place, while winger Gabriel Martinelli and new signing Kai Havertz can also play up front if needed.
However, Nketiah insists he will be relishing the pressure in a competition where expectations have increased after finishing second last season and spending more than £200 million on new signings over the summer.
“Yes, of course,” Nketiah said.
“That’s what we play football for. We train hard every day to get a chance to play at the weekend. So it’s not just me, there are a lot of players who can obviously play in that position.”
“So we’re all ready, we’re all good players, we can all contribute at different points in the season, everyone will have a different role. It’s just about being ready and contributing and hopefully I can do that throughout the season.”
