What Eddie Nketiah has previously said about his Arsenal future as Bristol City make loan move

Eddie Nketiah could leave Arsenal temporarily this week.

The 20-year-old is currently behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in the pecking order and talk of a loan move is sure to increase following his fine form during pre-season.

An assist against Colorado Rapids was followed up by a winner against Bayern Munich as well as a brace against Fiorentina has strengthened his case of first-team football when competitive action gets underway.

But will that be away from the Emirates Stadium?

As reported by football.london , confidence growing at Bristol City that they will secure the youngster on loan for the remaidner of the season.

Furthermore, it's understood that Arsenal view Nketiah as a key part of their long-term plans.

With that said, there is an acknowledgement at the club that the young striker must feature on a regular basis at this crucial stage in his development.

Nketiah came close to leaving during the January transfer window and the exciting striker did reveal last month that a decision on his immediate future would be made after the United States pre-season tour.

"There was talk of that [going out on loan] and it was close to happening in January but the club decided that I should stay and I tried to finish the season as strongly as possible," Nketiah told the Daily Mirror .

Eddie Nketiah celebrates a goal against Fiorentina (Streeter Lecka/International Champions Cup/Getty Images)

"We’ll see what happens in the future but I’m just enjoying the tour and in the future decisions will be made.

"I need to keep pushing, keep working and as for the season I want to be playing regularly.

"After the pre-season tour, it’s something that I’ll look at with my family and speak to the manager and see what’s best for me.

"I feel like I have a great relationship with the fans. It’s nice that they notice that and sing my name. That’s a dream come true. Even out here the fans are screaming my name.

"They travel all around the world to see us play and support us.

"I always try to give them something back and I’m so grateful that they have taken to me like that as one of the boys from the academy and I hope it can continue."