Huge boost for Leeds as Arsenal stance on Nketiah loan is made clear

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Leeds Utd have been given a lift in their quest to return to England’s top tier with the news that Eddie Nketiah will not have his loan spell cut short by parent-club Arsenal.

The 20-year-old has impressed when afforded time on the pitch under enigmatic Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa this season, notching five goals in just 454 minutes of Championship and EFL Cup action.

Patrick Bamford has been the Argentine’s go-to centre-forward, however, leading to speculation Nketiah’s loan spell would be cut short by Arsenal amid concerns over his playing time.

Leeds fans’ fears have now been put to rest, with British newspaper the Sun categorically stating the hitman will remain at Elland Road until the end of the season.

The Sun stated: ‘Arsenal will not cut short striker Eddie Nketiah’s loan to Leeds’, with the Gunners ‘happy for him to continue in Yorkshire.’

The article continues: ‘The Nketiah camp will sort out terms on bonuses and perks to make sure he gets the most out of his stint with Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit.’

Interim Arsenal boss Freddie Ljungberg recently spoke on his disappointment at the stunted nature of Nketiah’s game time with Leeds.

The Swede said: “I need to be careful [what I say] but I think Eddie is a great player.

“If he goes on loan we want him to play football and get minutes otherwise they can maybe be here.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because he is a great player and the future of this club.

“When he has had his chance he scores goals and that’s what he is about.”

 

 

Leeds currently sit second in the Championship, eight points clear inside the automatic promotion places.

However, Whites supremo Bielsa is not getting carried away despite their impressive promotion push so far.

When asked about the gap between themselves and the chasing pack, the Argentine manager said:  “We just try to focus on each match, it doesn’t matter what the opponent [is doing].

“It doesn’t matter the results of our opponents, it doesn’t matter where we are in the table, what we need to do is win every match”.