Eddie Nketiah's next move after Arsenal hat-trick amid FIFA ruling

It was not just Arsenal supporters who took note of Eddie Nketiah's stunning performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

As a hamstring injury sidelined Gabriel Jesus for the visit of the Blades, Mikel Arteta turned to the Gunners' No.14 to lead the line in the Brazil international's absence, as has been the case for most of the season, and the decision was well and truly vindicated.

Breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark, Nketiah added another early in the second half before finding the back of the net with a superb long-range strike to complete the hat-trick - his first ever in the Premier League and second overall for Arsenal.

Speaking after the game, Arteta spoke highly of his striker: "For me, he's top level," the Spaniard said. "I think he has started eight out of the 10 Premier League games. So that tells you how much we trust him, how much I trust him and the importance that he has in the team.

"Really happy for him, an Academy player to experience in the Premier League a hat-trick. He needs to enjoy the moment. He fully deserves it and hopefully there are many more to come."

However, the Arsenal manager wasn't alone in heaping praise on Nketiah. In fact, on X (formerly known as Twitter) there was an overwhelming show of support from some Ghana supporters who still retain hope of the 24-year-old switching his international allegiance from England.

For example, @Mr_Abu233 said: "Nketiah should come to Ghana", @Haleiym said: "Nketiah come and play for Ghana", @SannieDaara said: "Eddie Nketiah is the natural replacement for Black Stars legend Asamoah Gyan", @sammybartels said: "Ghana wins the AFCON with a striker like Eddie Nketiah."

@srhule said: "Ghana needs to intensify the talks with Eddie Nketiah. Can’t lose such a talent, especially with no option upfront", @KofiSar53362026 said: "We need him badly" and @MrBoadu posted a rather confident prediction: "Eddie Nketiah is destined to STAR for the Black Stars of Ghana. It will happen soon."

So far, Ghana manager Chris Hughton has persuaded the likes of London-born Tariq Lamptey and Spain-born Inaki Williams to make the switch. Whether Nketiah follows the same path and switches his international allegiance to the country of his parents' birth remains to be seen, but what's for certain is the door remains open.

"Some players are very definite about what they want," Hughton said, as per talkSPORT, in response to Nketiah's England debut. "Some are not so sure and some want to see how things develop. I think that’s been the case with Eddie. We would never say never on him switching to Ghana. But it's always down to what the player wants."

As per FIFA rules, the Arsenal striker is still eligible to represent Ghana at international level. This is despite making his England debut in the friendly Australia earlier in the month as he was left out of the matchday squad for the Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy a few days later.