Arsenal manager Unai Emery has given Eddie Nketiah a huge vote of confidence after revealing his long-term plans for the striker when his loan spell with Leeds United ends.
The Whites secured the signature of the 20-year-old on deadline day, beating off a host of fierce competition in the process.
Bristol City, Swansea City and Fortuna Dusseldorf had all registered an interest in taking him on loan, but the appeal of working under Marcelo Bielsa tipped the scales in United’s favour.
He featured sporadically for the Arsenal first team last season, usually in the cup competitions and early Europa League matches.
He did score his first Premier League goal on the final day of the season away at Burnley, though. What he hopes will be the first of many.
However, Nketiah was originally told he would be staying at Emirates Stadium this season, highlighting just how highly Emery rates him.
Ultimately, the opportunity to play regular first-team football consistently proved to be too big a drawn for both player and manager.
Speaking to Football.London, Emery said "For example, we decided yesterday to let [Alex] Iwobi leave to Everton.
“He was very important for us last year, but we need to manage with a good balance with different players.
"It was the same with Eddie Nketiah, my first decision was not to let him leave, but after he spoke with me and [considering] the possibility of how many matches he is going to play with us, I said to him I could give him a lot of minutes this year, but maybe he can improve more playing regularly 90 minutes each Sunday with Leeds.
"Our objective with him is: 'play and come back here, we want to be with you in the future.' It's the same with other young players.
"It's different with players who have been here for a lot of years. Carl Jenkinson is leaving, Laurent Koscielny is leaving and Iwobi is leaving. We have big respect for them. I wish the best for them and good luck."
Nketiah could make his debut for Leeds in midweek against Salford City, after Bielsa opted to leave him out against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
