Eddie Nketiah Credits Forgotten Starlet For Engineering Arsenal Move

Nketiah hails his former academy teammate…

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah credited former Gunners starlet Charlie Gilmour as the vehicle for his move to north London after being released by Chelsea at 14, the striker told ProDirect Soccer.

Nketiah joined the west London side at the age of nine and, funnily enough, was released on the same day as a certain Declan Rice as the two made their separate ways across the capital.

The 24-year-old revealed that his prolific record against Arsenal at youth level caught the attention of former Hale End star Gilmour who messaged him on social media.

Charlie spoke of his disbelief at Nketiah being released given his talent and encouraged him to join him at the club. Arsenal’s No.14 left the conversation assuming the Scotsman’s words were merely small talk and was shocked when Charlie’s father, Ian, invited him to club for a trial a week later.

“We used to always play against Arsenal and I used to score quite a bit,” Nketiah narrated.

“I think the last game I played (against them) I scored two. When they found out I got released, Joe Willock and Charlie Gilmour – whose dad was a scout Arsenal – messaged me on Facebook. He was like ‘I can’t believe you got released, you’re cold! Come Arsenal.’

“I thought this guy was just waffling. His dad calls me and says ‘We have a trial for you next week, come.’

“I go there for two weeks and got signed. I’m still in touch with Charlie and his dad because I’m so thankful.”

Gilmour was handed his Arsenal debut in the Europa League by Unai Emery in a 2018 clash at Vorskla as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners.

The central midfielder was one of three academy products handed their debut on the night – alongside Zech Medley and a certain Bukayo Saka.

Gilmour has managed to carve a career in professional football since being released by the club and now plies his trade back in his native country with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.