According to the latest reports from the Daily Mail, Arsenal are poised to recall Eddie Nketiah from Leeds United in January, and they will look for another loan spell for the young English forward. The striker joined on a season-long loan in the summer, but the Gunners kept the option open to have him back in January.
Nketiah’s terrible luck and struggles so far at Elland Road
The 20-year-old forward is yet to start a game in the Championship, and he has only been used as a substitute so far. Even though Patrick Bamford went through a barren run of 10 games, Nketiah couldn’t claim first-team places. However, the striker was unlucky as well as Bielsa had confirmed that he was going to start in the last month if not for his injuries.
Now the striker is back fit, but Bamford has found back his form. In all fairness, things don’t look suitable for the English youngster. With Arsenal now set to recall the forward back, this will undoubtedly be a big blow for the Whites.
Nketiah has made positive contributions from the bench as he has managed three goals and one assist in the English second division so far. His only start came in the Carabao Cup ties where he scored in both the games. Given his talent, quite a few clubs would want to have him, and it is understandable why Arsenal are thinking about recalling him and sending him elsewhere.
What now for Bielsa?
The next few weeks could be crucial for the striker. Maybe if Bielsa hands him a few starts between now and the end of the month, Arsenal might have a change in heart. However, there are a lot of ifs and buts involved, and the Whites should be prepared with a contingency plan if they go on to lose the English striker.
Bielsa clearly wants the players to integrate properly and get used to the system before they get a run into the first team. We believe that if Nketiah stays put, then he will have his chances in the second half of the season as he has already spent a few months with the club. However, Arsenal might not be convinced with that approach, and the Whites could suffer.
The club should keep an eye on two-three replacement options. However, it will be a blow as Nketiah was able to show some good signs in his cameos. Maybe a good run in the team in December for the 20-year-old might be able to change Arsenal’s decision.
