LONDON: Mikel Arteta reiterated his desire to see Eddie Nketiah sign a new contract at Arsenal and said the striker’s hat -trick against Sunderland was proof of his sharpness in front of goal.

Nketiah blasted three times including a heel-to-toe goal to beat Sunderland 5-1 to take Arsenal to the semi-finals of the English League Cup.

With the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang and the upcoming African Cup of Nations, Arteta hopes the 22-year-old striker will get more chances to play.

“He got more minutes of the game than ever before and we will continue to use his services. Every day I say we want to keep Eddie.

“We see the way he trains, that’s what he does every day, he works hard and scores goals in every session. I’m really impressed with him. Whenever it’s needed, he doesn’t disappoint,” Arteta said.

It was Nketiah’s first senior hat -trick. The English League Cup became the field the striker scored on his debut when he was included as a substitute against Norwich in 2017.

“It’s amazing. It’s good to get to the next round, and it’s more exciting to be able to score a hat -trick.

“I thank my teammates for helping, and I’m happy to be able to contribute to the team,” Nketiah said.

Nketiah’s contract will expire in the summer and he is free to sign a pre -contract deal with an outside club after another 10 -day period.