Eddie Nketiah would appear to have his pick of the entire Championship when it comes to selecting his next destination.
Nketiah was recalled from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest’s promotion rivals Leeds United earlier this month, with the Reds keen on bringing him to the City Ground for the remainder of the season.
While it looks almost certain that the 20-year-old striker will be farmed out on loan by the Gunners, Alan Smith believes Mikel Arteta should keep him around the first team squad, and rebuff the growing Championship interest.
"Eddie Nketiah has been recalled from their FA Cup third-round-opponents after a tough time at Elland Road,” the former Gunner Smith told the Evening Standard.
“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.”
