Arsenal Technical Director Edu has disclosed why Ghana target Eddie Nketiah was handed a long-term contract to stay at the club.
Nketiah signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners on Saturday after successful negotiations.
The 23-year-old, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the month has made 92 first-team appearances and scored 23 goals since his first-team debut in 2017.
“The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our Academy system.
“Eddie was released by another club as a young man but has always shown he has the attitude as well as the ability to become a top player. The fact he’s signed a new contract is an important part of our squad planning for next season and we’re all delighted,” Edu said as quoted by the club’s official website.
He will wear the number 14 shirt from next season, having previously worn the number 30.
The new contract is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Nketiah is the England Under-21s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in 17 appearances and captained the side that won the 2021 European Under-21 Championships.
He is expected to complete his nationality switch in the coming days to represent the Black Stars of Ghana ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year.
