Arteta insists 'League Cup specialist' Nketiah does have a future at Arsenal

Another League Cup tie. Another goal for Eddie Nketiah.

The Lewisham-born striker made it seven in eight EFL cup ties when he bagged the clincher in Tuesday night's ultimately comfortable 2-0 win over Leeds which booked a quarter-final place in Saturday's draw.

But the question remains about whether the 22-year-old is likely to be part of the Emirates future in the years ahead.

Nketiah was making only his second appearance of the season and is out of contract at the end of the season.

He had a spell out on loan at Elland Road with Leeds two years ago - when he scored two of those EFL goals - and has not enjoyed an extended run in the first team in Premier League matches, unlike other youngsters in the squad like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. He was also linked with a move to Crystal Palace in the summer.

Yet boss Mikel Arteta is convinced the player could eventually establish himself at his boyhood club.

"I have full belief that he is going to be a top, top player and hopefully at Arsenal," said the Gunners' boss.

"I'm happy to have him, he is our player, I regard him really highly and from my side I want him to stay.

"We had a situation in the summer that we tried to resolve and we couldn't either way. That contract situation is more and more common in football where we are coming from with Covid and a lot of the issues that we have to resolve.

"I have no doubts what he can offer. Whatever you throw at him, he wants more and he demands himself more. I'm delighted to see his performance. He totally deserved it."

Nketiah said: "It's always nice to play, it's been a while, I have been working hard, waiting for my opportunity. The most important thing was to get through."