Leeds United have joined a Championship scrap for the signature of highly-rated Arsenal wonderkid Eddie Nketiah, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay.
The 20-year-old had been a part of Unai Emery’s pre-season plans and scored against Bayern Munich and twice against Fiorentina, but regular first-team minutes are unlikely to be on offer to the Gunners prospect, as he is behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe in the Spaniard’s pecking order.
As such, Hay understands we are being considered as one of a small clutch of second-tier sides the Emirates Stadium natives would be willing to loan Nketiah out to, with Bristol City and Swansea City both reportedly expressing their interest, along with clubs in Germany.
Marcelo Bielsa is considering the striker ahead of Deadline Day, as he is still unsure whether it would be best to acquire an out-and-out centre-forward following Kemar Roofe’s departure, or push through with plans for Liverpool’s Ryan Kent.
United are understood to be in negotiations with the Anfield natives, where Jurgen Klopp is still reluctant to sanction a temporary deal.
Nketiah may not be an instant starter under Bielsa, like Helder Costa was not in the Championship curtain-raiser win at Bristol City, but the young forward would be an exciting addition to his plans once he becomes accustomed to the boss’ tactics.
The pacey youngster is not afraid to take the opposition on with the ball at his feet, and has drawn comparisons with Arsenal legend and former England international Ian Wright, who has called for the Gunners product to go out on loan.
Loan needs to happen. He’s ready and needs to play! Loan to Germany should have happened last season. It’s my worry for all younger ones – if we don’t start well they getting no time!!!!
— Ian Wright (@IanWright0) August 5, 2019
Nketiah is also a much more physical player than he was when he made his first-team breakthrough as an 18-year-old in North London, where he has shown himself to have a great poacher’s instinct inside the box and a willingness to work without possession.
The England U20 international has 19 first-team Arsenal appearances to his name, in which he has scored three goals, along with a strike rate of a goal every 95 minutes with the Gunners’ U23s.