Leeds were confident of signing Eddie Nketiah before the striker seemingly pulled a U-turn and chose to stay with Arsenal instead.
The Whites have made a strong start to the summer window by securing playmaker Brenden Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg.
Aaronson also looks set to be followed to Elland Road by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, with the right back heading for West Yorkshire.
Leeds to need other signings as well though and another striker is needed after Patrick Bamford’s injury problems this past season.
Leeds were confident of signing Eddie Nketiah
New York City FC star Valentin Castellanos has been linked with a move to Leeds and they may explore that after missing out on Nketiah.
The Athletic report that Leeds were ‘quietly optimistic’ that Arsenal striker Nketiah would be returning to Elland Road.
Nketiah spent the first half of the 2019-20 season on loan at Leeds, scoring five times in 19 games.
Nketiah mostly offered competition for Bamford back then but was hailed as a ‘complete player’ by Marcelo Bielsa.
The 23-year-old is out of contract this summer and Leeds had a firm belief that he would be open to returning.
However, Nketiah has seemingly pulled a U-turn and will sign a long-term deal with Arsenal instead.
This comes after Nketiah had a strong end to the season, which included two goals against Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah needs first-team football and Leeds may have been willing to offer that as they seek a new goalscorer.
Arsenal look set to convince Nketiah to stay but just how much he plays next season remains to be seen.
The Gunners are likely to bring in another striker and you would imagine that they will immediately jump above Nketiah in the pecking order.
Staying at Arsenal is a risk for Nketiah and his decision leaves Leeds considering their options in attack.
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