Charlton Athletic manager Lee Bowyer has ruled out a loan switch for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to South London Press.

The 20-year-old was reportedly on Bowyer's wanted list to bolster the Addicks' frontline, but the former midfielder has now conceded that Arsenal are unlikely to let Nketiah leave on loan.

Bristol City have also been linked with a temporary move for Nketiah, who scored the winning goal as Arsenal secured a 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.

The Robins are thought to be willing to pay a loan fee and Nketiah's full wages in order to tempt Arsenal into doing business, but Charlton boss Bowyer does not think the striker will be leaving North London this summer.

“It is looking difficult,” Bowyer told South London Press.

“He is in the first-team and doing well in the first-team. I can’t see them letting him out on loan.”

Nketiah made his breakthrough in the Arsenal senior set-up last season, as he made five appearances for the Gunners and scored his first goal on the last day of the season.

The Verdict

Nketiah's form in pre-season will come as a blow to both Charlton and Bristol City, who would have been hopeful of landing Nketiah this window.

It seemed like the right time for Nketiah to drop down to the Championship in a loan move which would have given him valuable experience of leading the line at senior level.

I also think Bowyer would have felt his successful nurturing of Krystian Bielik last season may have persuaded Arsenal into doing business, but manager Unai Emery clearly sees Nketiah as part of his plans.

I could be wrong, but I think Arsenal would be really missing a trick by not letting him out on loan to build his experience.