Mikel Arteta has talked up Eddie Nketiah's "fantastic" contribution for Arsenal since returning to the club in January.
The 21-year-old striker was recalled by the Gunners at the turn of the year after struggling to make an impact on loan with Championship side Leeds United.
Nketiah started just two league games during his half-season spell at Elland Road, but he has already been used seven times by Arteta in all competitions.
Speaking to reporters in a virtual press conference on Monday, Arteta praised the England Under-21s international for the impact that he has made so far.
"We treat Eddie as an important part of our squad," he said. "We had to make an important decision not to let him go on loan again after the spell he had at Leeds.
"I watched him train and I was very convinced he was the right player for us to move us to the next level, that he can contribute in a big way to to the way we want to play. He has been fantastic so far."
Nketiah scored a hat-trick in a recent practice match for Arsenal ahead of their return to Premier League action against Manchester City on Wednesday.
Daniel Lewis
