---
title: "West Ham United: Pete O’Rourke backs the Irons to sign Eddie Nketiah"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-pete-orourke-backs-the-irons-to-sign-eddie-nketiah/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Will Seager"
section: "Follow up"
published: "2022-05-17T10:45:58Z"
modified: "2022-05-17T10:45:58Z"
---

# West Ham United: Pete O’Rourke backs the Irons to sign Eddie Nketiah

**Journalist Pete O’Rourke has urged [West Ham United](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-news/) to sign current Arsenal striker and upcoming free agent Eddie Nketiah this summer.**

### **The Lowdown: Nketiah’s situation**

The 22-year-old is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer upon [the expiry of his contract.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/eddie-nketiah/profil/spieler/340324)

Last August, [it was reported](https://theathletic.com/news/crystal-palace-turn-attentions-to-edouard-after-failing-to-agree-nketiah-deal/YlxhphTbcdwN/) that the Gunners had rejected an approach from Crystal Palace for the attacker, as they had refused to meet their £20m asking price.

In spite of this, [after refusing to put pen to paper over a new deal](https://www.givemesport.com/88008559-west-ham-27-goal-striker-would-be-smart-piece-of-business-at-london-stadium), Nketiah looked set to leave Arsenal as a free agent at the end of the season, due to concerns over a lack of playing time.

However, in recent weeks, the former England U21 has been in Mikel Arteta’s [starting XI for his side’s last seven](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/eddie-nketiah/leistungsdaten/spieler/340324) [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) games. As a result, he has decided to delay his decision until after the season has finished.

[West Ham newest updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/)

### **The Latest: O’Rourke’s claim**

O’Rourke believes that Nketiah would be a great signing for West Ham, who are desperate for a striker.

Speaking with [GiveMeSport](https://www.givemesport.com/88008559-west-ham-27-goal-striker-would-be-smart-piece-of-business-at-london-stadium), he claimed:

*“We all know West Ham need a striker; they’ve needed a striker for the last couple of windows and not been able to bring one in.*

*“So, I think if they could get somebody like Nketiah, who is a free agent this summer, I think it’d be a smart piece of business.”*

\[freshpress-quiz id=”375613″\]

### **The Verdict: Good signing**

With David Moyes having to rely upon Michail Antonio as the club’s only senior striker since [Sebastien Haller’s departure in 2021](https://www.givemesport.com/88008559-west-ham-27-goal-striker-would-be-smart-piece-of-business-at-london-stadium), a young forward with Premier League experience will be a welcomed addition to the current Hammers side.

Arsenal boss Arteta has previously been extremely complimentary of the 22-year-old, claiming that he is an [“extraordinary”](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/arsenal-fc-news/arsenal-mikel-arteta-praise-extraordinary-eddie-nketiah/) player for his age.

Ranking in the 94th percentile for pass completion rate and in the 93rd percentile for tackles made (via [FB Ref)](https://fbref.com/en/players/a53649b7/Eddie-Nketiah), Nketiah shares similar qualities to that of Antonio. This could mean that his arrival on a free transfer would provide Moyes with a strong alternative attacking option, whilst being a shrewd bit of business by the east London club.

***In other news: [West Ham United: Irons ‘reignite push’ for Nayef Aguerd](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/nayerf-aguerd-west-ham-transfer-latest-mike-mcgrath/)***