Eddie Nketiah sends message to Mikel Arteta that is packaged with a dream Arsenal £82m deal

Eddie Nketiah’s excellent performance against Leeds United has given Arsenal a reminder that extending his contract is the route to go down. The 22-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.

The striker scored two early goals for the Gunners, as Mikel Arteta’s side ran rampant against a relegation-threatened Leeds side. The win has put Arsenal in the driving seat for Champions League qualification ahead of the north London derby on Thursday evening.

Nketiah has now scored four goals in the last four games he has started showing how crucial he has been to the team. The Gunners were in poor form before he was given the chance to lead the line for Arsenal, but Nketiah’s impact on the side has helped the north London side find form at the perfect time.

Erik ten Hag transfer priority could prevent Mikel Arteta's £60m solution for Arsenal dilemma

The 22-year-old has scored more goals than Harry Kane since being introduced into the starting XI, with Kane grabbing one in his last four games. The two strikers are set to lead their sides in the north London derby where the Gunners can secure a top-four finish with two games remaining.

Despite Nketiah's major impact towards the end of this season, there is no guarantee that he will be at the club to experience Champions League football for the first time in his career if Arsenal finish fourth. However, his recent performance highlights why Arsenal should issue him a new contract.

The Gunners will be in desperate need of a striker at the end of the season due to the likely departure of Alexandre Lacazette, with his contract also set to expire. If Nketiah was to depart alongside the Frenchman then the Gunners would need at least two strikers as Folarin