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Eddie Nketiah hints at a new deadly Arsenal strike partnership

Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Jesus
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The club’s new No. 14 sees the great potential that a partnership between himself and Gabriel Jesus could bring.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah is confident he can form a deadly strike partnership with new signing Gabriel Jesus.

After a solid end to the previous campaign, which saw him score five goals in the last seven games, Nketiah signed a new five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium in June and took the iconic No. 14 jersey.

Jesus arrived shortly afterward in a reported €52.5 million transfer from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

Naturally, as both strikers prefer playing centrally, Jesus’ arrival has sparked doubt over Nketiah’s role.

‘I think we can play together’

However, based on their performance together in Wednesday’s 3-1 pre-season win over Orlando City, the 23-year-old sees no reason why they can’t play alongside each other up front.

“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.”

Nketiah and Arsenal next face Chelsea for the Florida Cup final in the early hours of Sunday morning on central European time.

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