One Arsenal transfer unlikely to happen in January

Arsenal on loan striker Eddie Nketiah will not be returning to the Emirates in January.

There has been a lot of speculation over Eddie Nketiah’s loan to Leeds United with some reports claiming the youngster will return to Arsenal in January. However, the latest comments from Unai Emery have more or less put to bed any chance of the 20-year-old’s loan being cut short.

Nketiah has played just 207 minutes of Championship football with Leeds and is clear second choice behind Patrick Bamford. Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa prefers a lone striker and this means opportunities for the Egland U21 star are limited.

The lack of playing time has led to calls for Nketiah to be returned to Arsenal early and possibly loaned out elsewhere. Emery has basically knocked that idea for six. When asked if he was concerned at lack of playing time for the young forward, he said

“Now is not the moment in October. He is now on loan in Leeds. First I respect his coach and his decision,”

“And I think he is going to play more, because he is going to deserve it.”

It is still early and I am sure Nketiah will get more playing time. But if he does not the questions will not go away. There is very little point loaning out players if they get little game time.

So, for now, Emery is content with the situation but let’s see how he feels in January if there is no improvement.