Pundit names Prem club ‘crying out for’ Arsenal forward Nketiah

Lewis Oldham
Bent on Arsenal star Nketiah

Darren Bent believes Brighton & Hove Albion are “crying out for” a forward like Arsenal youngster  Eddie Nketiah.

The striker has made it clear that he wishes to leave Arsenal either this month or during the summer. His contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he does not intend to sign a new deal.

According to reports, Brighton, Crystal Palace and West Ham are among the clubs interested in him. 


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Nketiah is yet to start in the Premier League this season. He has scored five times from his three appearances in the Carabao Cup, though.

As quoted by The Metro, Bent has suggested that Nketiah would “suit” Brighton over Crystal Palace:

“The Palace one surprises me when they have Benteke and Odsonne Edouard. That surprises me a little bit,” Bent said.

“But Brighton, that is all they are crying out for. They play some of the nicest stuff. Danny Welbeck scored the other week, but his fitness has been an issue.

“Neal Maupay is like a patchy striker. He would have a period of scoring in three games here and then won’t score for a while.

“But Eddie Nketiah, all Brighton need is someone to stay in and around the box, then they will finish them off. Nketiah, for me, is a natural goalscorer, who will pick up them positions. Out of those two clubs, he suits Brighton.”

Speaking last month, Trevor Sinclair likened Nketiah to Arsenal legend Ian Wright:

“Eddie Nketiah, I’ve been a big fan of his. I’ve watched him play for the England Under-21s and he’s hungry, he’s got a point to prove.

“He’s been offered a contract at Arsenal and he’s turned it down, he wants to play football and he’s not been given many opportunities.

“But I’m not sure leaving Arsenal at this time is the right thing to do. You look at the situation with Aubameyang and Lacazette is out of contract.

“I actually think he’s better than [Folarin] Balogun, personally. He’s a London boy, he’s been at the club for quite a while. I’d like to see him being given more opportunities at Arsenal.

“The way he scored his goals last night, his movement was exceptional. It reminded me of Ian Wright a little bit. People can say what they want about me saying that, but he was bright, he was too shifty for the defenders.”