Everton are one of a number of English clubs reportedly looking to sign Arsenal hero Reiss Nelson on a free transfer this summer – a player that Alex Iwobi once raved about back in 2017, claiming Nelson has “amazing technique”.
Nelson, 23, has been on the fringes at Arsenal this season. Returning from what was a bit of a mediocre season away from Arsenal on loan at Feyenoord – just 11 goals and assists in 32 games – Nelson is struggling for regular game time.
But he has proved crucial. Mikel Arteta has used Nelson just three times in the Premier League this season, all of which have come from the bench. Coming on as a sub against Nottingham Forest – he scored two, creating one in a 5-0 win.
Three substitute outings in the League has seen Nelson produce three goals and two assists. He got an assist for Ben White on Saturday, before lashing home a last-second winner against Bournemouth. That form has attracted interest.
That, and his contractual situation. 90Min state Arsenal want to renew his deal, but Everton are interested – along with the likes of West Ham and Southampton. Speaking about Nelson in 2017, when Nelson was 17, Iwobi raved about him.
“Last season, Reiss was training with us. You could see he was a special talent. Good feet, good awareness, technique is amazing – he’s definitely one for the future. When young players come into the first team, they look nervous.
“You normally have to introduce them and make it easy for them. But straight away he was calling for the ball, he’s demanding things – he plays like he’s mature, he’s comfortable. It’s good for him,” Iwobi said, as per Goal, in 2017.
Everton looking to sign Reiss Nelson, Alex Iwobi raved about him in 2017
Nelson is a player with enormous potential, that is yet to turn potential into proven quality. A player – as Iwobi says – with massive technical ability. His quality with both feet was proven his left-footed strike in the 3-2 win on Saturday.
A brilliant goal, from a player that could be brilliant. But he needs the platform to go and do it on a regular basis. Is that at Arsenal? Even though he would love it to be the Gunners, no. Everton? Possibly, if the Toffees stay up this term.
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