Arsenal are offering Reiss Nelson the chance to stay at the Premier League leaders but Brighton and Hove Albion plan to make a ‘formal’ approach of their own for the Gunners supersub.
Well, he’ll always have Bournemouth.
Nelson’s last-gasp stunner against the Cherries in March appeared to be one of those ‘hallmark of champions’ moments. That was, of course, until Manchester City bared their teeth, sharpened their claws and entered ‘predator’ mode.
Nelson’s wondrous stoppage-time winner against Gary O’Neil’s side, then, is threatening to become a ‘what might have been’ moment, rather than the intervention which won Arsenal their first Premier League title in two decades.
And, with his 24th birthday approaching, how much longer will the academy graduate readily accept a backseat role with rival clubs offering him first-team opportunities elsewhere?
That is a question we could find out the answer to sooner rather than later.
Is Reiss Nelson leaving Arsenal?
Nelson’s Arsenal contract expires in July. According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are offering him fresh terms.
But with Brighton set to make an approach of their own, much will depend on how the former England U21 international sees his career panning out. Is he content with making the odd cameo off the bench at the Emirates? Or does he want to play regular Premier League football for the very first time, under a coach in Roberto de Zerbi who has proven in six exceptional months that he is more-than adept at helping talented players ascend to an all-new level?
Nelson has three goals and two assists in the top-flight this term. That is despite the fact he has not started a single game under Mikel Arteta.
The progress Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister, Levi Colwill and co have made under De Zerbi at The Amex, meanwhile, means many observers would follow Nelson’s Brighton career with a great deal of interest.
There is no doubt about the forward’s potential. It’s consistency he is lacking.
Contract expires in July
“I always saw the potential,” Arteta told The Independent after that Bournemouth stunner two months ago.
“The talent and the desire for him to do it, but he’s at a different level right now. I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him.
“Football-wise, it was my decision in the last two games not to play him because we had other options.
“But he was knocking on the door, he’s been training really good. It’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him. He can be really important for the team.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, over half-a-dozen clubs have approached Nelson’s camp as his contract enters it’s final few weeks. Reigning Serie A champions AC Milan are among them.
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