Eddie Nketiah could sign for Leeds United on a permanent deal if they are promoted, that is according to Sky Sports pundit Darren Bent.
The former England striker has admitted that he is a huge fan of the Arsenal loanee, and he thinks that Elland Road could be where he really flourishes.
Nketiah arrived on loan from the Gunners in the summer but is currently back-up to Patrick Bamford, who has been Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice striker.
Despite this, the 20-year-old has still managed to make an excellent start to life in West Yorkshire. He has already netted four goals in just seven appearances in all competitions whilst also claiming one assist.
With Bamford currently struggling for form, it may not be long before Nketiah breaks into the Leeds starting line-up. If he does, then Bent says that he wants the youngster to nail down a place in the team and start fulfilling his potential.
Speaking to Football Insider Bent said: “What would be nice to see happen – I’m a big fan of his – is if Leeds can be promoted and he plays a big part of it, that puts him in such a good position because we don’t know if Bamford’s going to be in the Premier League.
“He’s (Nketiah) more battle-tested than Bamford when playing in the Premier League and also as well, at Leeds, they love him, he plays a big part in them getting promoted, he might be able to sign there on loan or sign there permanently, another season and he can work from there.
“It would be nice to see him settle down somewhere and prove to everyone what a good player and what a good centre-forward he is.”
Despite Bent’s comments however, it seems unlikely that Arsenal would want to sell one of their most promising young players.
Whilst the Gunners already have plenty of options upfront including Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, it is thought that Unai Emery is a big fan of the 20-year-old.
He played him in the Europa League, EFL Cup and FA Cup last season and the Spaniard reportedly wanted to keep him around for the 2019/20 campaign before agreeing to let him out on loan.
Emery may be a little more insistent next season that he stays at the Emirates, particularly if the striker keeps scoring plenty of goals at Elland Road.
Leeds fans, do you think that you could realistically sign Eddie Nketiah if you are promoted this season? And would you like to see him playing ahead of Patrick Bamford? Let us know in the comments below…
