The bullet is in the chamber - Nketiah stays at the Emirates

There is speculation surrounding North London regarding the arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City but even if the Brazilian swaps his sky-blue shirt for a red-and-white one - Eddie Nketiah refuses to fold and believes he can cement himself as Arsenal's first-option attacker.

After turning down multiple bids from Bundesliga and Premier League clubs including West Ham and Crystal Palace, Nketiah has reportedly agreed a new long-term contract to stay at Arsenal - according to transfer guru and Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.

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He may face a battle to start matches once again next season - if the Gabriel Jesus transfer is realized - but the 23-year-old is determined to continue his solid form from the just-ended Premier League campaign.

Nketiah's contract was due to expire at the end of the month, but the striker is said to have signed a contract until the summer of 2027. The longevity of the deal imposes as a guarantee that the quick-footed striker is part of Mikel Arteta's long-term plans.

The youngster's fortunes changed in April when Alexandre Lacazette was ruled out with coronavirus.

Ghanaian rooted footballer failed to score in the Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Southampton but kept his place in the team, and Arteta's faith was rewarded as he notched a brace to help them seal a 4-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Nketiah then added three more goals in his next six appearances to establish himself as the first-choice striker over Lacazette to finish the campaign.

Nketiah is the sole first-team striker on the roster. The Gunners desperately need reinforcements this summer with Lacazette departing on a free transfer to Lyon, while they offloaded Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona in January.

Nketiah was originally expected to leave the Gunners this summer after rejecting a number of contract extensions - citing his desire to play regularly as the key factor behind his decision.