Mikel Arteta has told Football London that he felt Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson played ‘really well’ against Leicester City, but he would not rule out him leaving before the end of the transfer window.
Nelson was handed an increasingly rare start for Arsenal yesterday, as he helped the Gunners to a 2-0 victory at the King Power Stadium.
Although Nelson didn’t get on the scoresheet, he did cause the Leicester defence some problems.
The display caught the eye of Arteta, but when asked whether Nelson could leave on loan, the Arsenal boss kept his cards close to his chest.
“He played really well,” Arteta said. “He had a really good performance. He wasn’t in the squad for the last two Premier League games because of the competition we have up front.
“Everybody needs to fight for their places. We don’t discuss the things that are happening [about whether he will go out on loan].”
Football London claim that Nelson is actually keen to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place, but the club are fearful that he won’t get enough game time.
Arsenal have brought in Willian this summer, and already have the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Joe Willock, who appear to be ahead of Nelson in the pecking order.
Arsenal are next in action against Liverpool at the weekend, and it will be interesting to see whether Nelson keeps his place in Arteta’s squad for that game.
Arsenal’s record transfer deals
- Nicolas Pepe
£72 million
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
£56 million
- Alexandre Lacazette
£52 million
- Thomas Partey
45 million
- Mesut Ozil
£42 million
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