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Hat-trick hero Eddie Nketiah insists he is just 'desperate to play' as he nears Arsenal exit, but boss Mikel Arteta vows to try and keep 'important' striker at the club

Wantaway Eddie Nketiah reiterated he just wants the chance to play after the Arsenal striker bagged a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup demolition of Sunderland.

The 22-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season and he will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club in January.

The England Under-21 striker wants more playing time and reportedly rejected a new contract offer earlier this month.

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah holds the match ball after his hat-trick against Sunderland

After scoring a treble in the 5-1 victory against Sunderland on Tuesday night, he told Sky Sports: 'I'm desperate to play football, every player wants to play.