Marsch can finally axe “non-existent” Bielsa dud as Leeds eye "clinical" £9m-rated gem - opinion

Leeds United have had to get through the majority of this current Premier League campaign without star striker Patrick Bamford.

After scoring 17 goals in 38 league games last term, the Englishman has been dogged by injuries this time around which have left him with just nine league appearances to his name in 2021/22.

One figure in Leeds’ squad who has failed to effectively deputise for the injured Bamford is Rodrigo, who despite playing in 29 top-flight games has only racked up six goals and one assist.

Signed for a club-record fee of £26m from Valencia in August 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa’s reign, the Spaniard has not been able to take up Bamford’s mantle of being a consistent goalscorer for Leeds this season.

As a result, the upcoming summer transfer window could give Jesse Marsch the chance to get the 31-year-old, who has been dubbed “non-existent” by Kevin Phillips, and his £100k-per-week wages off their books.

In terms of who could come in as a potential replacement for the misfiring Leeds dud, one man who could fit the bill is Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.

Last month, Leeds journalist James Marshment shared a post on Twitter relaying news that the Elland Road outfit were interested in signing the Englishman this summer.

Having spent some time with the Yorkshire club on loan, scoring five goals in 19 appearances during the promotion-winning 2019/20 campaign, the 22-year-old has experience and knowledge of the club, which could make a potential return on a permanent basis tempting for him.

During his time with Arsenal’s senior and youth sides, Nketiah has scored 68 goals and provided 13 assists in 150 appearances across all competitions. This shows just how dangerous an attacking figure he is when at his best, with