The seven Arsenal players Marcelo Bielsa has wanted at Leeds

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Arsenal will be hoping to compound the misery on Leeds United this weekend when they travel to Elland Road for the pair’s latest Premier League clash.

The Whites have suffered two defeats that have been agonising for different reasons in the last seven days. And the Gunners have won their last two, scoring five and not conceding one.

Of course, it is well-known just how much preparation Marcelo Bielsa does before facing each opponent. But perhaps he may feel the need to do slightly less work than usual.

That is because there are a number of players within Mikel Arteta’s ranks that Bielsa is very much aware of. He has been linked with at least seven members of the Arsenal squad since the Argentinian was appointed.

So ahead of Saturday’s meeting, here is a brief summary of each player Bielsa has reportedly wanted at Leeds…

The seven Arsenal players Leeds wanted since appointing Marcelo Bielsa…

Ben White

There is one member of the Arsenal squad that can expect a great reception at Elland Road: Ben White. The centre-back attracted three bids from Leeds following a successful loan spell. According to Sky Sports, the last bid was worth £25 million. One year later, he would move to the Emirates. And he has been superb.

Emile Smith Rowe

White was pivotal in helping Leeds to promotion in 2020. But it was Emile Smith Rowe who got Bielsa’s men across the line with the goal that confirmed that they would be going up. In August 2020, the Daily Mail reported that Leeds wanted Smith Rowe on loan. Ultimately, the attacking midfielder stayed. And within a few months, he was a first-team regular for the Gunners.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has not had the easiest time at Arsenal. But you can see why he may appeal to Bielsa, given his ability to play in a variety of roles. In fact, the Daily Mirror reported ahead of this summer that Leeds wanted Maitland-Niles following his loan at West Brom. He may do well to feature this weekend after not playing in Arsenal’s last five games.

Rob Holding

Ben White was not the only centre-back now in the Arsenal squad who was linked with Leeds in the 2020 summer window. The Daily Star suggested that the Whites were keen on Rob Holding before he forced his way into Arteta’s plans.

Calum Chambers

Calum Chambers was another linked with a Leeds move last year. In fact, TEAMtalk claimed that Victor Orta held talks with Arsenal over the former Middlesbrough loanee. He, of course, would score against Leeds in the Carabao Cup earlier this term.

Eddie Nketiah

Eddie Nketiah did not have the best loan spell from Arsenal at Leeds in 2019. He certainly scored a handful of hugely important goals. But he struggled to take Patrick Bamford’s spot, and was recalled several months early. Interestingly, reports just last month suggested that he was a Leeds target once again.

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli is starting to find some real form. He has two goals and two assists in his last five. And he will hope to add to that tally against Leeds. Had events played out differently, he could have been in the home lineup this weekend. TEAMtalk reported in 2019 that the Whites wanted the then-17-year-old forward. A few months later, he would join Arsenal for £6 million.