Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has insisted that Arsenal keep and play Eddie Nketiah for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners forward spent the first half of the season on loan at Monday's FA Cup third-round opponents, Leeds United.
However, after only making two Championship starts at Elland Road, scoring three goals in 19 appearances in total, Arsenal opted to recall the striker.
Reports claim that Bristol City are the frontrunners to sign Nketiah for the remainder of the season, with Sheffield Wednesday and Brentford also keen to temporarily home the 20-year-old.
However, Smith believes that Arsenal should in fact keep hold of Nketiah as cover for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, rather than send him on loan again.
The former striker told the Evening Standard: "Eddie Nketiah has been recalled from their FA Cup third-round-opponents after a tough time at Elland Road.
“I am sure he learnt a lot under [Marcelo] Bielsa and he deserves a crack back at the Emirates.
“When he went to Leeds, I was a little disappointed because it looked like he could have been useful in the squad but he has done well off the bench and got himself some goals.
“He will have come to terms with the physical aspect of the division and Arsenal will be getting back a more rounded, better player.
“It would be a shame to see Nketiah sent out on loan again - if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette get injured then you are a little short.”
