Eddie Nketiah is now officially a free agent after confirmed the striker’s previous contract has expired.
The Hale End Academy graduate was belatedly given a chance to impress during the closing stages of a season which ultimately ended with the Gunners missing out on qualification.
Nketiah, however, enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a series of impressive displays leading the line and scoring four times in victories over Leeds and .
Mikel Arteta confessed he had been unfair on Nketiah having afforded him only limited opportunities, even after the decision to offload in January.
Arsenal are still hopeful of tying Nketiah to a new long-term deal but the 22-year-old is free to negotiate with other clubs who may be willing to offer more lucrative terms.
The north London club released a list of players from their men and women’s teams who were now out of contract, but pointedly remarked that disccusions were still ongoing with Nketiah.
Brighton, Crystal Palace and West Ham all tried to sign Nketiah last year, but although they are all likely to retain an interest, the player is now minded to remain at Arsenal, even if they press ahead with plans to recruit Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.
With European football back on the agenda, Nketiah is likely to be handed plenty of opportunities, regardless of whether or not Arsenal win the race to sign the Brazil international.
Technical director Edu has been driving the negotiations for Jesus and although Arsenal are confident of completing a deal, the player has other suitors including the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham.
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