David Ornstein writing for the Atheltic conveyed that Arsenal are not looking to recall Eddie Nketiah in January even though the striker is yet to start a game in the Championship so far. The Gunners still believe that Elland Road will provide the ideal platform for Nketiah to prepare for life in the Premier League.
Ornstein provides an update on Nketiah
Ornstein wrote, ”Arsenal are able to recall Nketiah in January if a performance-related condition of the deal is not fulfilled. There is, however, confidence on all sides that this will not be the case and continued hope that Leeds will prove the ideal place for his development.”
”The importance with which Arsenal are treating this situation is underlined by their level of contact with Nketiah and Leeds. Some say they have never seen a parent club provide such impressive care and attention, particularly when it comes to looking after the player and his family.”
The following update from a reliable journalist like Ornstein would be a sigh of relief for the Whites faithful as there have been some reports which suggested that the Gunners might recall the striker in January given his lack of game time.
Nketiah has only started in the Carabao Cup so far, but Bielsa has given him continuous opportunities in little cameos. The young Englishman has impressed as he has grabbed three goals and one assist in 10 Championship appearances. Bielsa has continued to prefer Patrick Bamford over him who has now gone nine games without scoring.
It is believed that Nketiah isn’t too far off from first-team football. Moreover, the pressure at Leeds United to win and perform in every game will prepare Nketiah for life at Arsenal, where he will face similar pressure to perform in front of huge crowds week in week out.
Bristol City are reportedly still interested in him after missing out in the summer. With Arenal having an option to recall him back in January, there were some worries among the fans that Bielsa’s stubbornness to play Bamford might cost Leeds United in terms of losing Nketiah. However, with Ornstein’s update, we can confidently say that Arsenal are currently happy with his situation at the club even though he hasn’t started any games in the Championship.
What should Bielsa do?
We think that Bielsa should give Nketiah a go in the first team soon as Bamford has looked short on confidence in front of goal. He does quite a few things right in the build-up play, but the former Middlesbrough man lacks the killer instinct in front of goal.
