Leeds United Linked With This Former Arsenal Striker: An Immediate Fix For Bielsa?

Despite years of despair in lower leagues, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani did wonders by convincing iconic Marcelo Bielsa to take charge of the Whites to claim a long-awaited Premier League return. The heavyweights from West Yorkshire had glimpses of excellence in the recent past but fell apart in crunch time and the supporters, meanwhile, must be fearing a similar fate this term in spite of an incredible inception under the famous Argentine.

Leeds United, however, looked fatigued of late due to a lack of depth as well as injury crisis within the squad. But they hit a new low this weekend having suffered a 4-1 humiliation against West Brom at the Hawthorns. Bielsa, however, cooled down talks of winter incomings but might give it a second thought considering the current crisis.

If reports are believed to be true, the Whites are extensively scouting ex-Arsenal attacker Chris Willock who left for Benfica last summer and is now featuring week in week out for the reserves in LigaPro. The 20-year-old had a promising spell in North London but decided to part ways with his boyhood side to attain senior minutes elsewhere.

He opted to ply his trade abroad and signed a five-year deal with the Portuguese heavyweights. Yet a premature return to his homeland is pretty much on the cards as Leeds might tie him down on an initial loan to strengthen their attacking third.

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The Three Lions youth international is rated highly in his country but might not be able to upgrade the Whites due to his inexperience at a senior level. Kemar Roofe as Leeds’ ‘number 9’ and Pablo Hernandez and Ezgjan Alioski down the wings have been majestic forming a lethal front trio who have mostly delivered when started together.

But the lengthy injury layoff of Patrick Bamford is a massive setback whereas youngsters like Tyler Roberts and Jack Harrison failed to impress enough while being handed a regular role when both Roofe and Hernandez were sidelined for weeks. 

Willock, nevertheless, would be a great inclusion in the long run. However, he is quite unlikely to make an immediate impact and emerge as the game-changer at Elland Road. The Englishman should be tied up by Leeds for the versatility he provides upfront but, at the same time, this signing must not be seen as a solution of their worrying upcoming weeks. The gaffer instead needs to add experience between the sticks, also strengthen the backline that troubled the Whites time and again.