Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering the possibility of bringing former Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah back to the club as he looks to strengthen his attacking options. The England international left Arsenal for Crystal Palace in search of regular first-team football, but his former manager could now be interested in a reunion.
Nketiah spent several years developing within Arsenal’s system and eventually established himself as an important squad player under Arteta. Although he was never consistently the club’s first-choice striker, his ability to score goals, work hard and provide an alternative attacking option made him a valuable member of the squad.
With Arsenal continuing to compete on several fronts, Arteta is believed to be looking at ways of increasing the depth of his squad. A possible return for Nketiah could give the manager another experienced forward who already understands the demands of playing for the north London club.
Arsenal Looking for More Attacking Options
Arsenal’s ambitions have increased significantly under Arteta, with the club regularly competing for major domestic and European honours. That has placed greater importance on squad depth, particularly in the attacking areas.
A long season can bring injuries, suspensions and periods of poor form, making it difficult for one or two forwards to carry the responsibility throughout an entire campaign. Arteta therefore needs players who can step into the team when required and maintain the level expected at Arsenal.
Nketiah could fit that requirement.
The striker knows the club, understands Arteta’s tactical ideas and has experience playing in high-pressure matches. His previous time at Arsenal also means he would not need a lengthy adaptation period if he were to return.
For Arteta, that could make Nketiah an attractive option compared with signing a completely new striker who would need time to settle.
Nketiah’s Previous Arsenal Journey
Nketiah joined Arsenal’s academy after developing at Chelsea and quickly became known for his goalscoring ability. He progressed through the youth ranks before making his senior breakthrough.
During his Arsenal career, Nketiah produced several memorable moments and demonstrated his ability to score important goals. His performances earned him a contract extension and greater involvement in the first team.
However, competition for places made it difficult for him to become Arsenal’s undisputed starting striker.
Arteta frequently relied on different attacking combinations depending on the opponent, while Nketiah often had to accept a role that involved coming off the bench or starting selected matches.
Eventually, the striker decided that regular football was important for his development, leading to his move away from Arsenal.
His departure did not necessarily close the door permanently, however. Football has a habit of bringing former players back to clubs where they previously enjoyed success.
Why Arteta Could Want Nketiah Back
One of the biggest advantages of bringing Nketiah back would be his familiarity with Arsenal.
The striker already understands Arteta’s expectations regarding pressing, movement and defensive work from the front. He has previously trained under the manager and understands the standards required at the Emirates Stadium.
That familiarity could be particularly valuable during a busy period of the season.
Nketiah is also capable of playing as a traditional central striker. His movement inside the penalty area, willingness to attack crosses and ability to find space around defenders could provide Arteta with another tactical option.
The Arsenal manager has consistently demanded flexibility from his forwards, and Nketiah has shown that he can contribute in different attacking situations.
Crystal Palace Situation
Any potential move would obviously depend on Crystal Palace.
Nketiah moved to Palace because he wanted more opportunities and a new challenge. The club would therefore have to decide whether it would be willing to allow him to leave if Arsenal made an approach.
Palace could also demand a significant fee for the striker, particularly if he remains an important part of their plans.
For Arsenal, the financial side of the deal would have to be carefully considered. The club would need to determine whether bringing back a familiar player represents better value than pursuing another striker on the transfer market.
There could also be discussions about whether the deal would be permanent or structured differently.
Arteta’s Relationship With Nketiah
Arteta has previously shown considerable faith in Nketiah.
During his Arsenal career, the striker received opportunities from the manager and was trusted in important matches. Arteta also praised his mentality and development on several occasions.
That existing relationship could make a potential reunion easier.
Nketiah would also know exactly what Arteta expects from him. Instead of joining a completely new tactical system, he would be returning to a manager and footballing philosophy that he already understands.
However, the striker would still have to compete for his place.
Arsenal’s attacking department has evolved since Nketiah left, meaning a return would not automatically guarantee him a starting position. He would have to prove himself again and demonstrate that he can contribute at the highest level.
Competition Could Be Important
If Nketiah were to return, competition for places could become one of the biggest talking points.
Arteta has built an Arsenal squad where players are expected to compete for starting positions. The manager rarely wants anyone to feel guaranteed of their place.
Nketiah could therefore provide valuable competition while also giving Arteta the option of rotating his forwards.
This would be particularly important if Arsenal are competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cup competitions at the same time.
Rather than relying on the same attacking players every few days, Arteta could rotate his squad and maintain freshness.
A Possible Second Chance
For Nketiah, returning to Arsenal could represent another opportunity to establish himself at the highest level.
He already knows the expectations surrounding the club, but he would also return as a more experienced player. His time away from Arsenal could have helped him mature both technically and mentally.
A second spell could therefore be very different from his first.
Instead of being viewed primarily as a young academy graduate trying to break into the team, he could return as an experienced Premier League forward capable of contributing immediately.
That experience could be valuable in a squad with title ambitions.
Arsenal Fans Could Welcome the Reunion
The possibility of Nketiah returning would likely generate plenty of discussion among Arsenal supporters.
Some fans may believe that the striker deserves another opportunity after his previous contributions to the club. Others could question whether bringing him back represents the best way to strengthen the squad.
Much would depend on the circumstances of the potential transfer and the role Arteta intends to give him.
If the manager believes Nketiah can provide goals, depth and competition, the move could make sense.
Conclusion
Mikel Arteta’s reported interest in bringing Eddie Nketiah back from Crystal Palace would represent an intriguing development for Arsenal.
Nketiah already knows the club, the manager and the demands of playing at the Emirates. His previous experience with Arsenal could make him a relatively straightforward player to reintegrate into Arteta’s system.
At the same time, any potential return would depend on several factors, including Crystal Palace’s willingness to negotiate, Arsenal’s financial plans and Nketiah’s own desire for another challenge in north London.
For Arteta, the attraction is clear: a familiar striker with Premier League experience, an understanding of his tactical philosophy and something to prove.
If Arsenal ultimately decide that another attacking option is required, Nketiah could emerge as an interesting candidate. A return to the Emirates would give the striker the opportunity to write another chapter in his Arsenal career and potentially prove that he still has an important role to play under Arteta.
