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Football London
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Joe Doyle

Why Eddie Nketiah's loan deal at Leeds United could be cut short by Arsenal

Arsenal are reportedly considering ending Eddie Nketiah's loan spell at Leeds United due to a lack of playing time.

The 20-year-old is currently playing a back-up role in the first team, with the majority of his appearances coming as a substitute, as Marcelo Bielsa prefers Patrick Bamford in attack.

Despite scoring four times in eight appearances, Nketiah has not forced his way into the first team in the opening two months of the season, and Arsenal are said to be considering ending his loan spell in January.

The Sun state that Bristol City boss Lee Johnson is still keen on the striker, despite him turning down the Robins in the summer to make the move to Elland Road.

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The Gunners are said to be unhappy with Nketiah's current situation, and have the option to recall the striker.

The club are keen for him to gain first-team experience after he left on a short-term deal, rather than staying at the Emirates Stadium as a back-up to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Nketiah knew he would likely be restricted to cup appearances with Arsenal this season, so decided to leave despite Unai Emery asking him to stay.

"The manager wanted me to stay so it's really confidence boosting for me that he had me in his plans," Nketiah said in September.

"I hope it's a good year that can leave me in good stead going back to Arsenal to fight for a place.

"There were a lot of options, there were options for me to go to Germany but me, my family and the club decided Leeds was the best place."

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