Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear has confirmed that Arsenal have the option to recall Eddie Nketiah from his loan spell at Elland Road in January.
The highly-rated forward is midway through his campaign under Marcelo Bielsa but, despite scoring five goals, is still yet to start a Championship match this term.
Finding himself behind Patrick Bamford in the pecking order, Leeds have also been linked with a new striker in the January transfer window and this has led to speculation about what will happen with Nketiah.
Should Arsenal recall him, the Gunners will then face a decision on whether to keep him in Mikel Arteta's squad or loan him out again - with interest in the 19-year-old likely to be high.
However, writing in his programme notes ahead of the Boxing Day clash with Preston North End, Kinnear stated that Leeds are trying to convince Arsenal that remaining with Leeds is the best course of action for the young forward's development.
"I appreciate much speculation still surrounds the immediate future of Eddie Nketiah and although Arsenal have the right to recall him in January, we still believe he can make a huge impact over the remainder of the season at Leeds United," he wrote.
"Accordingly, we are endeavouring to convince Eddie and the technical team at Arsenal that the coaching environment and the profile of the playing opportunity at Thorpe Arch and Elland Road is still the best choice for his long-term development."
