Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta wants Eddie Nketiah to stay at Arsenal as the striker’s contract continues to run down.

Nketiah, who was close to joining Crystal Palace in the summer, could leave Arsenal for free at the end of this season if he does not agree fresh terms.

The 22-year-old is likely to attract interest from clubs in January, when he can sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas teams, but Arteta wants him to stay at Arsenal.

“We had a situation in the summer that we tried to resolve and we couldn't either way,” Arteta said.

“That is the contract situation that is more and more common in football for where we are coming from with Covid and a lot of the issues that we have to resolve.

The 22-year-old, who was linked with a move to Crystal Palace in the summer, was making only his second appearance this term and is out of contract at the end of the season.

"We had a situation in the summer that we tried to resolve and we couldn't either way," said Arteta. "That contract situation is more and more common in football where we are coming from with Covid and a lot of the issues that we have to resolve.

"I have no doubts what he can offer. Whatever you throw at him, he wants more and he demands himself more.

"I'm delighted to see his performance. He totally deserved it. He has other players who play in that position and he has a personal situation but I try to leave that aside."

Arsenal, hoping to win the competition for first time since 1993, will find out their last-eight opponents in Saturday's draw.