Arsenal forward not ‘here to fill in’ as he angles for bigger role following teammate’s injury

Eddie Nketiah has detailed how he is not “here to fill in for anyone” and feels Mikel Arteta “knows I can deliver” for Arsenal in the wake of an injury to Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal boss Arteta recently confirmed that Jesus is set to miss the start of the Premier League season. The manager stated the striker had a “little procedure” that will keep him out for “a few weeks”.

That leaves the Spaniard with a few options to lead the line on the opening day. Nketiah, Folarin Balogun, Kai Havertz and even Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli could fill the void.

Nketiah filled in for Jesus while he was injured last season, starting nine Premier League games – in which he completed 90 minutes in each – and scoring four goals. However, he wants to play a bigger role than just playing when Jesus is injured.

“I don’t think I’m here to fill in for anyone,” he told 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 got a tough decision and whenever he calls me, he knows I can deliver and I can help the team, so it’s just about us all collectively playing our part to achieve our goals.”

Indeed, Nketiah clearly wants to be more than a bit-part player, and he feels he can help his side win trophies if given the chance to do so.

“Playing at the highest level, competing for trophies and that’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to contribute,” he added.

“I pride myself on always being ready and whatever role the manager needs me to fill I will always make sure I do my the best and to the best of my ability so I can help the team. That’s what it’s all about.”

While he clearly wants to be the player that starts the season up top for the Gunners, he’s aware there’s competition for the place, and that could up the levels throughout the campaign.

“We train hard every day to get the opportunity to play at the weekend. It’s what we play football for. Not just myself, there’s many players that can obviously play in that position,” Nketiah added.

“We’re all ready, we are all good players, we’re all able to contribute at different points in the season, everyone’s going to have different roles. It’s just about being ready and contribute and hopefully I can do that throughout the season.”

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