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Enough is enough – Arsenal shouldn’t think twice about recalling their 20-year-old starlet from his loan spell if things don’t change

Why Arsenal must cut short Eddie Nketiah’s loan spell at Leeds

According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal could cut short Eddie Nketiah’s Leeds United loan deal in January due to the striker’s lack of playing time.

Eddie Nketiah, 20, joined Leeds United on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window. However, he has made eight appearances for the Whites this season, six of which have come in the Championship, with two appearances in the Carabao Cup.

Each of the 20-year-old’s appearances in the league have come from the bench and he has managed the full 90 minutes on one occasion. Despite his lack of game time, the England Under-21 international has contributed to four goals for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Arsenal are unhappy with the arrangement and are considering recalling him, with the report adding that Nketiah will be offered to Bristol City in the second half of this campaign.

That being said, should the Gunners really consider cancelling Nketiah’s Elland Road loan spell?

Arsenal manager Unai Emery couldn’t guarantee Nketiah regular football at the club; so the asked to be loaned out with a view of returning next season as a real contender for a starting berth. Arsenal, thus, are bound to be concerned about the starlet’s game time as they want him to gain valuable experience this season.

Nketiah has been a class act for Leeds since signing. Despite earning the Peacock’ points with his appearances from the bench, the 20-year-old has not been given a single Championship start. Apparently, he hasn’t yet fully won over Bielsa, who is considered to be a notoriously stubborn manager.

Bielsa has favoured Patrick Bamford, who last scored on August 24th. The striker has been a free run in the league and now has a goal drought extending to six matches. Regardless of Bamford having gone off the boil, Bielsa is hesitant to make changes and provide Nketiah with a start.

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Nketiah is suffering from the Argentinean tactician’s rigid attitude, thus leaving Arsenal very much right in getting concerned about their academy star’s lack of game time.

Verdict

Nketiah has looked impressive on cameo appearances off the bench but it is high time Bielsa provides him with starts in the Championship.

If things don’t change, it’ll be better for Arsenal to recall their academy star in January and offer him to Bristol City on a temporary spell.