Ghanaian youngster Eddie Nketiah has disclosed Arsenal manager Unai Emery wanted him to stay at the club for the 2019/20 season.
Nketia joined Leeds United on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day and has gone on to score five goals for the club.
Despite having Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pépé and Alexandre Lacazette at his disposal, the former Seviall manager was eager to keep the 20-year-old at the Emirates.
“The manager wanted me to stay so it’s really confidence-boosting for me that he had me in his plans," Nketia said.
“But I felt like it was a good step for me to come to Leeds.
“I hope it’s a good year that can leave me in good stead going back to Arsenal to fight for a place.
“There were a lot of options, there were options for me to go to Germany but me, my family and the club decided Leeds was the best place.”
He also praised the impact Arsenal legend Ian Wright is having on his career.
“He’s been brilliant. He’s a bit of a mentor. He messages me, asks me how I am, how I’m finding things up in Leeds," he added.
“He’s given me advice and I always try to learn from him because he’s had a great career. I’m really grateful.
“It’s a dream come true to have one of your heroes speaking to you. He’s such a nice guy and a modest guy for the career he’s had.”
Nketia bagged a brace for England U-21 in their 3-2 win over Turkey on Friday.