Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger 'doesn't know' why Chelsea let Eddie Nketiah leave their academy aged 14

  • Eddie Nketiah scored twice as Arsenal saw off Norwich City in the Carabao Cup
  • Nketiah, 18, was in Chelsea's academy but has been at Arsenal since leaving at 14
  • Arsene Wenger hailed the youngster and appeared to question Chelsea's call

Arsene Wenger said he 'didn't know' why Chelsea had let Eddie Nketiah leave their academy after the 18-year-old's two-goal starring role on his Arsenal home debut.

London-born striker Nketiah came off the bench to score an 85th-minute equaliser against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup before plundering the winner in extra time.

But Arsenal's latest youth hero was actually part of bitter rivals Chelsea's academy until the age of 14 when he made the move across London after being released.

Eddie Nketiah scored twice for Arsenal on his home debut against Norwich City on Tuesday

Eddie Nketiah scored twice for Arsenal on his home debut against Norwich City on Tuesday

Arsene Wenger said he did not know why Chelsea let Nketiah leave their academy aged 14

Arsene Wenger said he did not know why Chelsea let Nketiah leave their academy aged 14

Wenger, having witnessed the first player born after his appointment in September 1996 to score for the Gunners, said he was unsure of Chelsea's reasoning behind letting Nketiah leave.


'I don't know what happened at Chelsea,' the Frenchman said. 'He has scored goals at youth level and sometimes I don't know why they let him go.

'I don't know why. You see that more and more. Young people travel from one club to another. I don't know.'

Nketiah was used as a midfielder at Chelsea but his development has soared as a forward at Arsenal, leading to him earning first-team appearances against BATE Borisov in the Europa League and Tuesday night's game this season.

'He has top quality and is one of player who was with me in pre-season and I knew what he could do,' Wenger added. 'I must say I am impressed think he was not even conceived when I was already here.

'But it is good as well. Life gives a chance to young people and hopefully he will make a long career at Arsenal. We are proud to give young players a chance.'

Nketiah has impressed in Arsenal's youth ranks to earn his first-team chance this season

Nketiah has impressed in Arsenal's youth ranks to earn his first-team chance this season

The now-18-year-old is pictured with Arsenal in 2016, a year after he signed from Chelsea

The now-18-year-old is pictured with Arsenal in 2016, a year after he signed from Chelsea

Arsenal moved to snap up Nketiah in 2015, inviting him to train with their academy just two days after Chelsea had informed him he would not be given a scholarship within their youth setup. 

'The day Arsenal showed they were interested in me was one of the happiest days I can remember,' Nketiah said at the time.

'It wasn't only because I've always been an Arsenal fan, but two days earlier I was told that I would be released by Chelsea and not given a scholarship for this season. I was so down, but then Arsenal found out I was available, contacted my family and invited me to train.

'Within a week I was told that I would be offered a scholarship. I think it is important to bounce back quickly from disappointment and Arsenal gave me the opportunity to do that.'

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