According to Mirror, Arsenal could recall Eddie Nketiah after a slow start to his career. The youngster joined Leeds United on a season-long loan deal in the summer. But, he has seen his overall game-time limited by Marcelo Bielsa. The Sun, meanwhile, believes that Bristol City are now interested in the services of Nketiah, which could open up more options for Arsenal.
Nketiah’s disappointing spell at Leeds so far
Nketiah was one of Arsenal’s brightest academy prospects, and that says a lot given the fact that the club has produced players like Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock in recent years. However, due to the presence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, the young forward was sent out on loan at Leeds United in the summer.
That being said, things haven’t gone smoothly for Nketiah in the Championship as he has featured in only 133 minutes of league football so far. The 20-year-old has often been overlooked by manager Bielsa, mainly due to Patrick Bamford.
The ex-Chelsea prodigy has already netted four goals this term but is goalless in the last few matches. Bamford is a well rounded forward who does a lot of things right, and Bielsa is famously known for backing his players to the hilt.
As a result, Nketiah has become a bit-part player at Leeds. He has featured in six matches so far, during which he netted two goals. He has been a regular in the EFL Cup games though, notably scoring two goals in two games. But, Leeds being knocked out by Stoke City in the last round, doesn’t bode well for the striker.
What should Arsenal do with Nketiah?
Recalling Nketiah from his loan spell at Leeds United might not be the worst idea in the world. The 20-year-old is a bright talent, and his lack of game-time at the Elland Road only hinders his potential growth as a footballer.
It is debatable whether or not the Gunners should keep hold of Nketiah, after recalling him. They have struggled with the injury of Lacazette in these early parts of the campaign. But, Gabriel Martinelli has done well. And one would think that the return of Nketiah would slightly minimise the overall game-time for the Brazilian gem.
Therefore, it would perhaps be wiser for Arsenal to send him out on loan to Bristol, who are reportedly interested in the services of the youngster. The Robins have lacked a reliable alternative for the primary centre forward Benik Afobe. Nketiah, to that end, should be a viable target and the youngster is guaranteed to receive more game-time under Lee Johnson – making this a beneficial deal for all parties involved.
