Mikel Arteta and Bukayo Saka were overjoyed after Eddie Nketiah made a promising start to his spell deputising for the injured Gabriel Jesus in Arsenal's 3-1 win over West Ham.

The Premier League leaders returned to top-flight action on Boxing Day following the World Cup, aiming to pick up where they left off prior to the tournament.

Many had written off their title chances as a result of Jesus sustaining a knee injury in Qatar that will rule him out for three months.

But Monday's win will ensure they are seven points clear at the summit at least until Manchester City play Leeds United on Wednesday.

Nketiah more than played his part in the victory, scoring Arsenal's third goal as they came from behind in the second half.

Saka, who netted the Gunners' equaliser, was thrilled for his fellow Arsenal youth product after silencing the doubters.

Asked about Arsenal spreading the goals around the team, Saka told Prime Video: "That's definitely important. 

"Obviously Gabby [Jesus] is going to be a big miss, but you could see I'm so happy for Eddie.

"I feel like we all believed in him, that's all he needs, us to just keep supporting him. He got his goal and that will give him a lot of confidence, so we just need to keep encouraging him.

"Of course, then we've got me, Gabby [Gabriel Martinelli], Granit [Xhaka], Martin [Odegaard], even the centre-backs are chipping in on the goals, so everyone is going to be so important."

Nketiah's goal was greeted by jubilant celebrations, with the delight in Saka's voice after the game very much present in those scenes.

Arteta was just as elated and hopes this goal on what was his first Premier League start of the season helps Nketiah kick on.

"I just gave him a big hug because he deserved that, he totally earned it with the way he played," Arteta added.

"It was a very typical Eddie Nketiah goal. He showed his strength, quality and timing, the composure of the finish. For me, it was an outstanding performance from him.

"You could feel in the last few games he'd been trying but didn't score, even in friendlies, but he has the capacity to do that. We see it every day in training, and that will give him confidence.

"He showed it last year, at the end of last season when we played him more consistently... when you look at his numbers, they are really, really good. I am really pleased to see what he's done today."

But while Jesus will seemingly be missing from the pitch until at least February, Saka credited the Brazilian for having a strong off-field influence.

The same has been said of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who also joined Arsenal from Manchester City in pre-season, and Arteta is adamant the pair have brought more than just quality on the pitch.

"They've been in probably the most successful team the Premier League has seen for many, many years," he said.

"They have the belief in their team-mates and what we are doing, that we are able to play to those standards, and these guys have brought this confidence to the team."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta's faith in Eddie Nketiah is growing "every single day" as the striker prepares for what could be a lengthy spell leading the line.

The Premier League leaders return to action against West Ham on Boxing Day without Gabriel Jesus, who suffered a knee injury during Brazil's World Cup campaign and has undergone surgery – with reports he could face three months out.

Nketiah now stands as the only senior recognised striker within Arteta's ranks, with speculation that the Gunners could look to add recruits in the January window to increase their depth in this area.

A strong finish to last season saw Nketiah score five goals in seven Premier League matches, earning himself a new contract in the process, but he is yet to score in the league this season – though his 12 appearances have all been as a substitute.

A record of three goals in 19 appearances in all competitions leaves plenty of room for improvement, but Arteta is confident he can fill the void left by Jesus' injury.

"I have more faith in him every single day, because we see every day what he brings to the team, how he is as a human, how he's developing as a player," Arteta said in the pre-match press conference.

"We already got some great response last year when we needed him. He plays really well with the team. He's ready – that's why he signed that contract.

"He's a key player in our squad and he's going to have chances to play."

Having fallen shy of a return to Champions League football last term, Arsenal have come out of the blocks flying this season to lead the Premier League and have lost just one of 14 matches to hold a five-point lead ahead of the restart.

Arteta has made it clear there is still work to do, though, adding: "The hardest thing to do is to win, and then to win again, and then to win again. There's a lot still to do there, for sure."

Arsenal travel to Brighton and Hove Albion after the London derby against West Ham to finish 2022, then begin the new year at home to Newcastle United.

It may sound bizarre in practically every way, but the Premier League resumes on Boxing Day following its mid-season World Cup break.

Barely eight days on from the World Cup final in Qatar, England's top flight returns with no one able to afford a sluggish resumption.

Of course, much has changed since Premier League teams were last in action in early November, and in one respect nowhere is that truer than at Arsenal.

Although top of the table, the Gunners are now without the man that many felt was key in transforming their fortunes this season, with Gabriel Jesus facing a significant spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Their season resumes at home to West Ham on Monday, with all eyes on how well they adapt without the Brazilian.

Boxing Day omens

The festive period is usually fairly unpredictable due to the sheer number of games teams have to play in December. The circumstances are obviously a little different this year.

With that in mind, most players should be fairly fresh, even considering those midweek EFL Cup exploits.

Perhaps then Arsenal will be even more confident of continuing their excellent record on Boxing Day, having last lost at home on December 26 in 1987. That is a run of 13 games without defeat – the last 10 of those were victories.

West Ham's recent record couldn't be much more different, having won just one of their past eight Boxing Day games – home or away – with a defeat of Swansea City in Wales six years ago the exception.

Does form matter?

If we rewind to early November, Arsenal were flying.

They won each of their previous nine Premier League home games before the season's break, with six of those wins coming this season.

Victory on Monday would equal their longest winning home run from the start of a top-flight campaign after also winning their first seven in 1934-35, 2005-06 and 2017-18.

Arsenal won their last three league matches, including at Chelsea and at Wolves, by an aggregate score of 8-0; they have not won four in a row without conceding since May 2014.

And to top it all off, West Ham lost each of their three most recent games to leave them with 11 away losses for the calendar year, last losing as many as 12 back in 2013.

But those respective runs and streaks were last added to roughly six weeks ago, so how much will they really count for? Certainly, for West Ham, the only way is up.

Gunned down

Hammers boss David Moyes has a generally dreadful record against the so-called top six.

It's become a bit of a feature in the Premier League, and Monday's trip to Arsenal puts his record back in the spotlight.

He has lost more away games against Arsenal in all competitions than he has any other opponent (17).

Further to that, he has only faced Chelsea (23 matches) on the road more often without ever winning than he has the Gunners (21).

Can Moyes finally end his Arsenal hoodoo?

Nketiah looks to answer the call

Jesus' absence for Arsenal is more than just about a goals output.

The Brazilian's haul of five in 14 Premier League games this term is hardly the stuff of legend, but he has offered so much to Arsenal's general play, bringing an ability to conjure something out of nothing and giving them a feisty edge in attack.

Eddie Nketiah will likely be the one to profit from Jesus' absence in terms of first-team minutes. The two players are significantly different, but the young Englishman might argue he will bring more of a goal threat.

In his previous 10 starts across all competitions at Emirates Stadium, Nketiah has scored 10 goals from just 15 shots on target.

Before this run, Nketiah netted only three goals in his first 10 home starts for Arsenal.

No one expects him to fully replace Jesus' influence, but helping the Gunners kick-start the season again with a positive impact against West Ham could be the reassurance some Arsenal fans need while awaiting the Brazil forward's return.

Oleksandr Zinchenko expects "true warrior" Gabriel Jesus to return "much strong than before" after his injury but has backed Eddie Nketiah to step up for Arsenal in the meantime.

Mikel Arteta's side will resume their Premier League campaign five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table after impressing before the World Cup break.

Arsenal host West Ham on Monday, but they will do so without Jesus after the Brazil forward underwent knee surgery following an injury in Qatar.

Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal with Jesus from Manchester City in the last transfer window, vowed his team-mate will return stronger as he encouraged the Gunners to step up in his absence.

"He's one of the leaders in our team. He's a true warrior," the Ukraine international told the club's official website. 

"I have no doubts he'll be back much stronger than before, knowing him personally and knowing his character. As a team, we need to stick together."

Nketiah is likely to lead the line in Jesus' absence after largely playing a back-up role within Arteta's squad.

The 23-year-old scored five goals in the final seven league games of last season, though, and Zinchenko believes he will prove a capable replacement.

"I have no doubts that Nketiah is going to do his job amazingly, and everyone trusts him," the defender added. "We have such a great group of people. We have this feeling of togetherness."

Zinchenko is no stranger to pressure after winning four Premier League titles with City, and he insists Arsenal will not run out of steam this season.

"I'm just trying to do my job as well as I can. On the pitch, I am giving my 100 per cent," he continued.

"The fans have welcomed me so warmly at this club. I can't be grateful enough for everything they have done and the support I've received from them.

"What I've seen in the past [is] if you have the right attitude and the right behaviour on and off the pitch, you can't be tired physically. You can be only tired in the head – everything is coming from your head.

"If you do all the things right in your routine – your sleep, your food, look after yourself well – and you do everything to prepare your body fresh, if you do everything right, you can't be tired physically."

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's transfer plans for the new year have not changed despite their injury woes, after Reiss Nelson became the latest player to sustain a knock.

The winger was forced off in a 2-0 friendly loss to Juventus on Saturday with an apparent hamstring problem, as teams step up their return to action following the World Cup break.

With Gabriel Jesus set to be sidelined after undergoing surgery for an injury suffered on Brazil duty in Qatar, the number of options available for Arteta are narrowing.

But the Spaniard says his plans have not been altered ahead of the January transfer window, adding that he intends to wait on a further prognosis for Nelson.

"We don't know the extent of the injury," Arteta said. "The fact he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially someone who really powerful and fast like Reiss.

"Let's see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn't change the plans."

Nelson's injury is a blow to a Gunners side already missing Jesus, limiting their pool of wide forwards as they prepare to restart their Premier League season.

Eddie Nketiah is likely to be offered his first sustained minutes in the Premier League since the end of last season, having been restricted to a role from the bench this campaign.

"Eddie is always ready," Arteta said. "He knows [the injuries to others] opens up a big opportunity for him right now and he needs to grab it.

"But the way he trains every day and the mentality he has, he gives us no reason to believe that he won't be super ready to perform."

Arsenal sit five points clear at the summit in their hunt for a first-top flight title since 2003-04 season, during the Invincibles era under Arsene Wenger.

Eddie Nketiah is ready to step in for the injured Gabriel Jesus and stake his claim again within the Arsenal frontline.

Former England youth international Nketiah had appeared to be headed for the exit last season before a slew of late-campaign performances secured his Arsenal future.

With the arrival of Jesus from Manchester City, though, Nketiah has found himself down the pecking order as Arsenal have pushed on to top the Premier League.

However, an injury on World Cup duty with Brazil has seen Jesus sidelined following knee surgery, opening the door for his team-mate, who is prepared to seize his chance with both hands.

"Of course, it is an opportunity for myself," Nketiah stated. "These things happen in football, unfortunately, so you've just got to be ready for the moment when it comes.

"I have been working hard, I've been working hard all season and I'm sure when I get the opportunity I'll be able to come in and help the team."

Nketiah scored five goals in the club's final seven league games last term and signed a new contract through to 2027 in June.

Arsenal are currently on their mid-season break enforced by Qatar 2022, but are hopeful they can pick up where they left off when the Premier League resumes.

Arteta's men sit five points clear of rivals City at the top of the pile, with both teams having a game in hand on fellow top-four outfits Newcastle United and Tottenham.

They resume their campaign in a London derby against West Ham on Boxing Day, before facing Brighton and Hove Albion on New Year's Eve.

Granit Xhaka admits it is a huge blow for Arsenal to lose Gabriel Jesus to injury but is confident the Gunners can compete in his absence, offering his support to likely replacement Eddie Nketiah.

Jesus suffered a knee injury in Brazil's World Cup loss to Cameroon, ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament and leading to surgery – with the expectation he will face two to three months out.

It hands Mikel Arteta a huge blow ahead of the Gunners' resumption of their Premier League title push on Boxing Day, with the former Manchester City forward quickly establishing himself as an integral member of the squad.

While Jesus faces an extended period out, Xhaka believes it is a "small injury" for him to cope with and vowed to support his teammate in his recovery.

"I spoke with him straight after the Cameroon game. We have the contact between each other, with all the players we have here in the World Cup," he told reporters.

"It's a shame because you saw in the first round of the Premier League how important he is for us. I don't know how big the injury is, maybe two or three months, I think.

"But he is a strong guy. It’s a small injury for him I think, and we will support him. He knows that we are behind him and hopefully we can get him back as quick as possible."

Jesus' injury could see Arsenal turn to Nketiah to lead the line.

Nketiah is yet to score in 12 substitute appearances in the Premier League this term but finished the last campaign strongly, earning a fresh contract after scoring five goals in the final seven top-flight matches.

Xhaka believes Nketiah has the capability to fill the void in the Gunners' attack and is "looking forward" to helping the 23-year-old in the months ahead.

"We have the option with Eddie, of course. He showed great games as well in the past and we need to support Gabi first," he added.

"We need to support Eddie as well, because he will be a big, big part of the next two or three months. But I am looking forward because we have the quality to bring Eddie there and to help him.

Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign on Boxing Day with a London derby against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

Kaoru Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey were both on target in the second half as Arsenal were knocked out of the EFL Cup in the third round after a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Gunners faltered for just a second time in their last 20 appearances in the third round of the competition, despite dominating for large periods at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Danny Welbeck's first-half penalty had cancelled out Eddie Nketiah's opener, before Mitoma and Lamptey struck in the space of 13 second-half minutes to end Arsenal's nine-match home winning run.

Julio Enciso headed just off target before Jeremy Sarmiento fired narrowly wide but Arsenal struck in the 20th minute when Reiss Nelson found Nketiah, who curled a smart first-time finish past Jason Steele.

Debutant Karl Hein's slip offered Brighton their equaliser, though, as the goalkeeper brought down Welbeck, who coolly converted his spot-kick into the bottom-right corner.

A fizzing Nketiah right-footed drive cannoned against the left post after the interval, before Steele kept out Nelson's header with a stretching stop.

Brighton hit the front as Sarmiento danced through the middle before laying off for Mitoma to whip a right-footed effort into the bottom-right corner from inside the area.

Former Chelsea defender Lamptey sealed victory soon after as he drilled under Hein after being teed up by Billy Gilmour.

What does it mean? Gunners blunted by Seagulls

Brighton had lost all five of their all-Premier League clashes in the EFL Cup since reaching the top flight in 2017-18, but produced a resolute showing to earn another victory at Arsenal.

The Seagulls have now won three of their last four trips to Arsenal, having lost all eight of their previous visits to the Gunners between November 1979 and May 2019.

Arteta's side will be frustrated to drop out of the EFL Cup so early on but have much bigger tasks to focus on as they compete for Premier League and Europa League glory.

Welbeck scores on return again

Welbeck showed all of his experience to draw Hein into the foul for the first-half penalty he calmly dispatched by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.

The striker became the first player to score at Emirates Stadium with four different clubs (Manchester United, Arsenal, Watford and Brighton) as he came back to haunt his former side.

Hein mistake proves costly

Hein was made to wait for his first chance at Arsenal since leaving his native Estonia to join from FC Nomme United in 2018. 

But the 20-year-old goalkeeper failed to impress when called upon, with his erroneous decision to rush out before slipping to bring down Welbeck allowing Brighton a way back into the game after going a goal down.

What's next?

Arsenal play their final Premier League game before the World Cup break at Wolves on Saturday, while Brighton host Aston Villa the day after.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta felt his team "lacked consistency and domination" despite cruising to a 3-0 victory over Bodo/Glimt to move top of their Europa League group.

Eddie Nketiah and Rob Holding struck in the first half before Fabio Vieira added a late finish to end a run of three consecutive home games in European competition without victory for Arsenal.

The Gunners are now two points clear of second-placed PSV at the top of Group A, while also leading the Premier League after a brilliant start which has seen them win nine out of their first 10 games in all competitions for just the third time in club history.

However, Arteta had mixed feelings over his team's performance against Bodo, telling BT Sport: "I'm really happy with the win, six points and a clean sheet.

"But we lacked connection between the players, we lacked consistency and domination through the game.

"There were eight changes and a lot of players that haven't played a lot of minutes, and you could feel that, the timing was missing.

"In the final third we looked very dangerous, the goals we scored were good goals."

Bodo started the second half brightly and Arteta reacted by making a number of substitutions, bringing on the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter of whom provided a brilliant assist for Vieira.

Arteta explained the alterations were necessary due to some of the starters' fitness, saying: "A few players, you could see they had a different intensity, not enough exposure in terms of minutes, so we had to make changes."

Mikel Arteta insisted Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus can play in the same Arsenal team but said he cannot make promises about anyone's first-team opportunities.

The 23-year-old Nketiah, who had been tipped to leave the Gunners last term amid frustration over a reduced role, ultimately signed a new deal after a strong finish to the 2021-22 campaign.

But the arrival of Jesus from Manchester City has pushed the striker back down the pecking order, keeping his chances at a premium amid the Brazilian's rich form.

Ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt, Arteta spoke of Nketiah's current status, and mulled whether both the Englishman and Jesus could combine, stressing he does not take his decisions lightly.

"I know with Eddie, I am sure he wants to play every single minute of every competition," Arteta said. "Gabi's been playing, and he's been phenomenal.

"I think they can play together. We'd have to change one or two things in the team structure. But he has participated in most of the games in the league, and he has played in Europe.

"I cannot promise anybody. What he gives us is his best, whether it is five minutes or 90 minutes."

Arteta also touched on the future of Reiss Nelson and William Saliba, declaring there is a place for the former with his contract set to expire while admitting "damage" in his relationship with the latter over his loan time away.

"A hundred percent," the Spaniard said on whether winger Nelson could earn a renewed deal. "That's why he's here, because we wanted to have that opportunity with him.

"It is down to him to show it on the pitch. He's out there showing it every day, how he's working. He is changing and improving. He's on the right track [but] now he needs to perform."

As for centre-back Saliba, Arteta said: "I was really impressed and surprised when I spoke to him."

Now 21, Saliba has had loans with his former club Saint-Etienne, plus Nice and Marseille, before being given his chance with Arsenal this season.

There has been frustration from Saliba over how long it has taken to start his Gunners career in earnest, after first signing in 2019, and Arteta said: "Obviously, the way the relationship has started, there was a bit of damage there.

"But he was so committed and focused to play for Arsenal, I think it took me a bit by surprise. How he talks about the club, and how much he wants to be here, I have no doubt that he wants to continue."

Arsenal and Zurich held a minute's silence following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, with the news being confirmed during the half-time interval of the Gunners' 2-1 Europa League win.

The sides were drawing 1-1 at half-time at AFG Arena on Thursday after Mirlind Kryeziu converted a penalty to cancel out Marquinhos' 16th-minute opener.

It was decided that a period of reflection would be held ahead of the second half, with Arsenal playing the remainder of the Group A contest with black armbands.

Eddie Nketiah – heavily involved at both ends – put Arsenal back ahead after the hour mark in Switzerland and the visitors saw out their sixth win in seven matches this season.

Zurich are winless in seven league matches in what has been a poor start to the season and were behind early on against Arsenal.

Nketiah carried the ball down the left and picked out Marquinhos, who thumped an impressive first-time finish into the roof of the net.

Having played a big part in that opener, Nketiah went from hero to zero when bringing down Fidan Aliti to concede a penalty, which Kryeziu slotted in to level up the contest.

After a sombre start to the second period, Arsenal soon got going and regained their lead through an Nketiah header – Marquinhos turning provider with his cross from the right.

Arsenal were unable to find a third goal, but they held their opponents firmly at bay to respond to Sunday's loss against Manchester United in the best way possible.

Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah believes he will be able to form a threatening strike partnership with Gabriel Jesus, who arrived from Manchester City in the off-season.

Nketiah finished the Premier League season in solid form last term, scoring five times in the Gunners' final seven games amid speculation over his future at the club.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, the 23-year-old renewed with the North London club, while Gabriel Jesus joined on a reported £45million transfer from the eventual Premier League champions.

Despite the potential of both fighting for the same spot, Nketiah feels Mikel Arteta could potentially get the best out of them together on the pitch, as witnessed in Wednesday's 3-1 pre-season win over Orlando City.

"I think we can play together, and I think we’ve shown that," he said. "Obviously, he’s a great player and it’s nice to play with him.

"Naturally with the kind of strikers we are, we’ve been able to combine quickly. It’s also good that we have a common celebration. I’m enjoying playing with him and hopefully we can continue to link up.

"Obviously, I like to play in the middle but I can play on the left as well and enjoy that. I’m just happy to be on the pitch in areas where I know I can be a threat and be dangerous. When 'Gabby' came on in the second half it was good to link up with him."

Jesus is the highest-profile signing for Arsenal in what has been a busy transfer window, with Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos also joining, and Oleksandr Zinchenko's signing reportedly imminent.

With the arrivals in mind, the England youth international added Arsenal was ultimately the best place for him to progress his career, despite interest from elsewhere.

"I wanted to wait until the end of the season and of course I had a lot of offers," Nketiah said. "I sat down with my team and with the manager and my family and we felt like Arsenal was the best place.

"When you get down to that stage of your contract you’re obviously going to have options and I sat down with my agent and family to go through them all.

"But Arsenal is a great club for me. I support the club and it’s a great project to be part of. I hope I can contribute to that in the future."

Eddie Nketiah says it was "almost impossible" to leave Arsenal after he was given a run of games in the Premier League towards the back end of last season.

The England U21 international's contract at the Emirates Stadium was due to expire following the end of the 2021-22 season, making him available for a free transfer, and the Gunners were unable to secure fresh terms with the striker prior to the end of the season.

Nketiah's future looked set to lie away from north London until his 90 minutes against Southampton in April, his first Premier League start of the season, and he struck a brace four days later in a 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel Arteta would stick with the Hale End academy graduate for the remainder of the season, as he started the final eight games of the Gunners' Premier League campaign and struck five goals – with only Tottenham's Son Heung-Min scoring more in the same timeframe.

While Nketiah's future was unresolved during this period, the young striker has made it clear that Arteta's faith in him gave him an easy decision to make.

"Everyone knows how much I love Arsenal. I have come through the academy, I have the attachment with the club," he told the Telegraph.

"The manager was very supportive and pushed a lot for me to stay. Once I had those kinds of assurances, and no doubts that I will get opportunities to play next season, it was almost impossible for me to leave.

"That run [of matches] really helped me. It gave me the feeling I always wanted, that I have craved. That feeling of playing well, doing well, scoring. It helped me with my decision and made it a lot clearer.

"Experiencing that with my family, we knew this is the place to be. There is nothing quite like doing well for the club you support and love."

Nketiah's new contract also sees him take Arsenal's famous number 14 shirt, previously worn by all-time record scorer Thierry Henry, but he does not believe it comes with additional pressure.

"We know it is a special shirt and Thierry has made it cool to wear this shirt, just like he did with long socks and gloves," he added.

"It is what we have grown up with. But I am just trying to be the best version of myself. I’m focused on creating my own memories in that shirt, leaving my own stamp on it.

"You still have to deliver. There is always going to be pressure, whether you are wearing number 30, or 14, or whatever, because that is what comes with playing for Arsenal."

Eddie Nketiah has penned a new long-term contract with Arsenal, while also moving to take the number 14 shirt at Emirates Stadium made iconic by Thierry Henry.

The Hale End academy graduate was due to be available as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2021-22 season but established himself as a core member of Mikel Arteta's side in the latter stages of the Premier League campaign.

Five goals in the final seven matches of the league campaign, during which Arsenal sealed a return to European competition with qualification for next season's Europa League campaign, proved his worth to the club.

"I’m delighted Eddie is staying with us. He represents what we are all about and all the values of the club," Arteta told the club's website.

"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 number 14 shirt taken by Nketiah was last worn by former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Theo Walcott the only other player to use the number since Henry left for Barcelona in 2007.

Technical director Edu also hailed the significance of the new deal penned by Nketiah, who is the all-time leading scorer for England Under-21s side with 16 goals in 17 caps.

"The foundations of this squad are built on young talent and in particular those who have come through our academy system," Edu said.

"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."

Arsenal begin the new season against Crystal Palace on August 5 in the curtain raiser for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

Arsenal remain in contract talks with striker Eddie Nketiah.

Nketiah's deal expires at the end of this month and the 23-year-old has been linked with London rivals Crystal Palace.

Arsenal released their retained list on Friday, revealing the Premier League club are in "ongoing discussions" with academy graduate Nketiah after offering him fresh terms.

Nketiah, who spent a loan spell with Leeds United in the 2019-20 season, has made it clear he wants regular first-team football.

He forced his way into the side towards the end of last season, scoring doubles against Chelsea and Leeds before finding the back of the net in a 5-1 final-day rout of Everton.

Fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette left the Gunners as a free agent and has rejoined Lyon.