CBS Sports claim Reiss Nelson could leave Arsenal and join French side OGC Nice in the summer in a move that would see him team up with Aaron Ramsey – and potentially, Nicolas Pepe, who is currently on loan at the Ligue 1 outfit.
Nice have often looked to the Premier League in terms of recruitment of late. Ross Barkley, Joe Bryan and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel currently reside at Nice. After a poor start, Nice are getting better. Now, they sit in seventh place.
Nine games unbeaten. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Nelson is watching his contract at Arsenal coming ever closer to an end on June 30. Non-English sides can approach Nelson on a pre-contract agreement under the Bosman ruling, on a free.
Nelson has been used just eight times for Arsenal since returning to the club last summer after a loan from Dutch side Feyenoord. But, in those eight games, he has caught the eye. On Saturday, he netted the winner against Bournemouth.
The Gunners were 2-0 down to League strugglers Bournemouth. But after Thomas Partey scored, Nelson came on and laid on an assist for Ben White, before his left-footed strike. CBS say Nice and Brighton want to sign Nelson on a free.
Reiss Nelson could leave Arsenal and join Ligue 1 side OGC Nice
Nelson is clearly a player with immense technical ability. A player, though, that has so far lacked the platform required to turn potential into proven quality. He needs a team that will give him the confidence of starting week in, week out.
But maybe, for Nelson, a move away from England is needed. He did well in Germany and the Netherlands. So, he has shown he can relocate and still impress. A move to France, with British players, might just suit Nelson down to a tee.
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