Breaking: Eddie Nketiah signs new Arsenal contract as squad number change is announced

It’s official! Eddie Nketiah has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal and it has also been announced that he will change shirt number ahead of the 2022/23 season.

As per the club’s official website, a statement reads: “Eddie Nketiah is extending his stay with us after agreeing a new long-term contract. Eddie has been with us since he was 14, making 92 first-team appearances and scoring 23 goals since his first-team debut in 2017.

“The 22-year-old made the transition from Hale End to London Colney during a highly successful youth career for both club and country, and marked his home debut with two goals against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup in 2017. Eddie also featured in the teams that won the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2020 and finished the recent 2021/22 season in fine form, starting our last eight league games and scoring five goals.

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Eddie Nketiah contract confirmed, new squad number, Fabio Vieira ‘deal’

“Eddie 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.”

Meanwhile, both Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu shared their delight at tying Nketiah down to a new contract.

“I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us,” Arteta said. “He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club. We are very happy that he has extended his contract and now we have to get to work and continue to develop the great talent and person that we have in him.”

“The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our Academy system,” Edu added. “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.”

In addition, it has also been confirmed that Nketiah will switch to the number 14 shirt – which has been vacant since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s exit in January – from next season thus allowing him to follow in the footsteps of a certain Thierry Henry.