Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that striker Eddie Nketiah is set to return to Arsenal from his loan at Leeds.
The forward, who was subbed off in Leeds’ draw with West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday, said his goodbyes to the fans after the game, with the striker set to return to the Emirates Stadium.
Nketiah scored three goals during his time in Yorkshire, playing seventeen times for Bielsa’s side.
Speaking after the game, the Leeds boss confirmed Nketiah would be going back to Arsenal, and that he was disappointed in the move.
Bielsa said, via Leedsunited.com:
Arsenal have informed he will not continue with us and we are sorry for that.
Eddie arrived at Leeds when the Championship had started and had to spend time adapting to our style.
He wasn’t part of the 11 starting and it wasn’t something easy for him because he deserved to be there, but was on the bench for Bamford.
After he played against Fulham, he became one of the starting 11 players for Birmingham.
We know that Bamford was injured in this match, but he was going to play anyway and today he played again because he played well against Birmingham and did a great physical effort.
He didn’t take this decision, but he’s a great player, excellent professional and had very good behaviour- a gentleman in every sense.
We are grateful with him, also to his family and his club.
They developed Eddie with a very good education and for this reason it’s a pity he leaves us because we were happy with him.
Read Arsenal’s verdict
This news isn’t surprising and has been expected.
The draw with West Brom was only his second start for Leeds, with Arsenal seemingly hoping to get him more first-team football.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Nketiah next.
