Leeds United chief Angus Kinnear has refuted claims that Arsenal will truncate Eddie Nketiah’s loan spell following his swashbuckling performance.
Nketiah joined the Lilly-Whites on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as key figure in Marcelo Bielsa’s side — scoring 4 goals in all competitions.
The Ghanaian descent’s superb has prompted reports that the Gunners are looking to recall him during the January transfer window as there is a break clause his loan contract.
But Kinnear told fans podcast Talking Shutt: “He's very expensive for a loan, but he's held in huge regard by Arsenal.
"When we spoke to Arsenal about him we asked them, 'is this a player you want us to develop so you can sell him?'. They said no, 'he's a player we want you to develop so he can come back and play first team football for Arsenal'.
“That's where Marcelo and his coaching staff give us a competitive advantage versus some of the clubs he could have joined. I don't think there are a safer pair of hands to entrust him to than Marcelo."