Gab Marcotti has expressed his surprise at rumours that Arsenal are set to offer Reiss Nelson a new and improved contract.
The European football expert told ESPN ‘I don’t get it at all’, with suggestions that Reiss Nelson, who has come through the club’s academy, will extend his stay in north London.
The 23-year-old’s contract was due to expire this month, so Arsenal were going to lose him for nothing anyways.
From that perspective, they are wise to extend his stay and then make a call on his long-term future.
For most Arsenal fans, they probably see Nelson as a squad player and someone who can produce moments here and there from the bench.
That’s probably why Marcotti thinks he should be leaving and looking to better his career elsewhere by playing on a regular basis.
“I don’t get this, at all,” said Marcotti. “He’s 23 or 24 now. They have had a long, long look at him. I know he scored that phenomenal goal.
“Unless it’s a really club-friendly deal, then I don’t understand what the purpose is of keeping him around when you have got Saka, Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and you are going to bring in someone else.
“Unless he makes very little money and he is a happy sub. Unless you think there is a pathway for him to be a starter one day. I think your subs should be people who are older and get regular playing time. Or, you think there is a pathway for them to be a starter.
“For me, Reiss Nelson is neither. There is no pathway. If Nelson gets a ton of playing time this year, then it probably means others are injured or Arsenal are really bad. You don’t want that to happen.”
Reiss Nelson’s long-term future at Arsenal
In 12 months’ time, will Nelson be in a situation where he is one of the main men at the club? Probably not.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if he is sold next summer and Arsenal are just, from a financial perspective, protecting themselves and ensuring they get something for the player down the line.
Either way, this is it for Nelson, if he doesn’t break into that first-team next season, then his career at the Emirates will really fade away.
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