Arsenal exit-linked striker sends one-word message to Josh Maja after West Brom win

West Brom striker Josh Maja was praised by Eddie Nketiah following his hat-trick against QPR in Albion's first game of the season.

Maja posted on Instagram on 10 August following his match-winning treble at Loftus Road, to which Nketiah, who has been linked with a move to Marseille from Arsenal, replied with one word: "Top."

Other Premier League players like Calvin Bassey and Eberechi Eze also showed their support for Maja, whose hat-trick sent the Baggies in the Championship's top two on the opening weekend.

Josh Maja makes flying start to life as first choice West Brom striker

Questions arose at The Hawthorns after Brandon Thomas-Asante made a surprise move to Coventry City, leaving Maja as the club's only striker who played anything close to consistent minutes last season.

Picked ahead of new arrivals Devante Cole and Lewis Dobbin up front, Maja more than repaid Carlos Corberan's faith with his treble at Loftus Road, making the centre-forward spot his to lose from now on.

Further reinforcements may need to follow, particularly given Maja's history with injury and lack of game-time last season, but at the moment, Corberan can surely look no further than the Nigerian international.

Messages from the likes of Nketiah, who could be about to become a £25million player [The Athletic], will only spur Maja on as he looks to extend his early lead as the Championship's top scorer.

His hat-trick has put a so-far turbulent summer to the back of everyone's minds at The Hawthorns, and should Maja keep up his fitness and form, Albion have the attacking outlet they've craved for some time.

In other West Brom news, Carlos Corberan discussed what Unai Emery told him before the Baggies signed Lewis Dobbin on loan.

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