Report: Leeds explored possibility of signing Eddie Nketiah this summer

By Jordan Harris

Leeds explored the possibility of signing Eddie Nketiah before it became apparent that the striker had decided to stay at Arsenal and sign a new contract, according to a report from The Athletic.

Leeds need to strengthen in a number of areas this season. And up front is one of the positions where Jesse Marsch surely needs further depth.

Patrick Bamford missed much of the season due to injury. And the likes of Dan James and Rodrigo struggled to step up in his absence.

Joe Gelhardt did whet the appetite for what is to come in his career. But clearly, Leeds need to sign at least one new goalscorer during the coming months.

Unfortunately for the Whites, it appears that one name has already had to be crossed off the list. The Athletic reports that Leeds were one of the teams looking at a deal for Nketiah.

The 23-year-old had been set to be a free agent after previously struggling to force his way into the Arsenal lineup. However, a strong end to the season has seemingly led to a u-turn from the forward.

Reports claimed that Nketiah will sign a new contract at Arsenal. And with that, Leeds will need to look elsewhere.

Leeds explored Nketiah signing

Signing Nketiah again may have divided some Leeds fans. He stepped up with some massive goals during his loan spell in the season in which the Whites were promoted. And he was labelled ‘magnificent‘ after one display this past campaign.

But he has not yet been prolific in the Premier League. And he struggled to find a place in the previous system at Elland Road.

Leeds have probably not helped themselves either. Two of Nketiah’s five goals in the final seven games came against Marsch’s men.

Obviously, one performance would not have decided Nketiah’s future. But Arsenal fans would have probably been a little more underwhelmed about handing him a new deal if he ended the year with three league goals to his name.