Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa both confirmed that Eddie Nketiah has been recalled by Arsenal, something the player then confirmed on Twitter.
Although Eddie Nketiah scored five goals during his time with Leeds, he could never get a consistent run in the side and only played the full 90 minutes once – in an EFL Cup game against Stoke back in August.
In the league, he started just two games, both of which came this week, perhaps in a bid to get Arsenal to change their mind about recalling him. It didn’t work.
“Arsenal have informed he will not continue with us and we are sorry for that,” Bielsa said after Leeds’ 1-1 draw with West Brom as Arsenal were beating Manchester United.
“Eddie arrived at Leeds when the Championship had started and had to spend time adapting to our style.
“He didn’t take this decision, but he’s a great player, excellent professional and had very good behaviour – a gentleman in every sense.”
Unfortunately my time @LUFC has come to an end. It’s been an amazing experience and a privilege to play for such an amazing club. I would like to say a big thank you to my teammates, the coaching staff and the manager for making my time here an enjoyable one. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/IgQNfkOWn5
— Eddie Nketiah (@EddieNketiah9) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/EddieNketiah9/status/1212467873978957826
Asked about the situation after the game on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta said, “Yes [he is returning to the club], we are having a meeting tomorrow with Raul and Edu to go through all the loans and situation. I know he is coming tomorrow, so I will speak to him and we will try to make the best decision for him.”
Bristol City have been begging for Nketiah since the summer and he almost went there on loan before Leeds made a late move for him.
It’s unlikely he will spend the rest of the season with Arsenal, but I would not be at all surprised to see him end up at Bristol where he probably should have gone in the first place.
Then again, hindsight is always 2020, eh?