Mikel Arteta sends message to Eddie Nketiah after he leaves Arsenal on deadline day

Mikel Arteta has paid tribute to Eddie Nketiah after he joined Crystal Palace from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

Nketiah was pushing for a move away from Arsenal this summer after struggling for minutes last season.

Palace emerged as the leading contender to sign the striker and completed a deal worth £30m late on deadline day.

Nketiah spent almost a decade at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 38 goals in 168 appearances.

‘We are so grateful to Eddie for his performances with us,’ Arteta said of the 25-year-old’s departure.

‘He is a player who has developed well through our academy and now he takes this opportunity with Crystal Palace.

‘Eddie is a top professional, loved by everyone at the club, who wanted and needed to play more minutes. We wish Eddie well as he moves onto his next challenge.’

Arsenal sporting director Edu added: ‘Eddie has had a great journey from our Academy into our first team, and we send him our thanks and best wishes as he moves to Crystal Palace.

‘It is important for Eddie to be playing regular first-team football and we are happy we have concluded a very positive transfer deal for his move.

‘Eddie has a lot of friends here after many years at the club and we wish him good luck in his next step.’

Nketiah grew up in Deptford, south east London, and said he was ‘excited’ to begin his Crystal Palace career.

‘It’s amazing to sign for Crystal Palace – I’m excited to get going,’ he said.

‘Every time I come back to South London, it always puts a smile on my face, so it’s good to be back home.’

Palace chairman Steve Parish added: ‘It’s brilliant to welcome Eddie, a senior England international, back to South London – we are delighted he has signed for Crystal Palace.

‘I am confident that his energy, talent and hunger to succeed will endear him to his new teammates and supporters alike.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.