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Report: Arsenal developments scupper Leeds United transfer ploy

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Eddie Nketiah was a striker that Leeds United “explored the possibility” of signing before it became apparent that he was set to sign a new deal with Arsenal.

Leeds are looking at bolstering their attacking unit this summer, sourcing cover for Patrick Bamford and easing the pressure on young talent like Joe Gelhardt.

There’s a link with Nketiah after his half-season loan with Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa in 2019/20 and it’s been revealed he was on the radar of the club again heading into this summer.

As per a report from The Athletic, Leeds explored the possibility of re-signing Nketiah as his contract at Arsenal ran into its final months.

However, the striker is now set to complete a u-turn and commit his future to the Gunners on a long-term basis, with this report claiming a five-year deal in North London is in the pipeline.

The 23-year-old found game time far easier to come by during the run-in, with Mikel Arteta placing plenty of faith in the England youth international.

Nketiah scored five goals in his final seven appearances of the season, including a brace against Leeds in May’s 2-1 win.

The forward’s tally for the season was 10 in 27 appearances across all competitions, including three against Leeds.

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Nketiah would have been a good signing.

He was good for Leeds on loan in 2019 and he was very unlucky not to play more minutes.

With Jesse Marsch favouring a two-man axis in attack in his early days as boss, many people are thinking we will see that reverted to in 2022/23, which would obviously heighten anyone’s chance of coming in and playing alongside Patrick Bamford.

Nketiah’s record in 2021/22 was very good – particularly against Leeds – and that’s what has, ultimately, led to Arsenal looking to tie him down.

Fingers crossed that whoever else Leeds have up their sleeve, they are in the same bracket as Nketiah.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.