Leeds United currently have Eddie Nketiah on loan. But are they using him enough?
Arsenal’s performances this season could dictate the futures of strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The Telegraph report that the strikers could both look to quit Arsenal if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League again.
Arsenal are currently in fifth, four points off the top four.
It would be a disaster if both strikers demanded exits, but at the same time, this could be the right moment for the Gunners to cash in. Aubameyang turns 31 next June, while Lacazette will be 29.
Fortunately Arsenal have some good young striker options. Gabriel Martinelli, Folarin Balogun, and Eddie Nketiah.
Like Martinelli, Nketiah has already scored for the first team, and is out on loan at Leeds United this season.
Nketiah is Leeds’ top scorer, despite not starting a single Championship game.
The peculiar decision making from Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has prompted some Arsenal supporters to suggest Nketiah should be recalled.
The threat of losing their top two strikers places extra importance at Arsenal on Nketiah’s development.
If they are not happy with the chances he is getting by January, they need to consider their options.
It might even be worth considering whether they can find a Premier League team willing to take him on. With a record of eight goals in eight games for England’s under-21s, there should be interest.
If Arsenal need Nketiah in the Premier League next season, it makes sense to explore whether he can play their first.
Leeds supporters should hope Arsenal get their act together and nail down a Champions League spot.
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