Aston Villa are now interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson as Unai Emery seeks a reunion with the out-of-contract ace.
That is according to a report from the Daily Mail, who claim that Villa have now ‘stepped in’ to try and rival Brighton and Hove Albion for Nelson’s signature.
It’s stated that boss Emery is keen to link up with Nelson again having seen him in the Arsenal ranks.
Nelson is out of contract at the end of the season and there hasn’t been any movement on a new deal just yet.
The 23-year-old could soon leave Arsenal for absolutely nothing and a reunion with Emery could be on the cards.
Reiss Nelson didn’t actually feature much under Unai Emery
Emery’s time at Arsenal wasn’t exactly joyous for all but he is working wonders at Aston Villa.
With just two points dropped in the last eight games, Villa are suddenly very real contenders for the top four.
That would make Villa very appealing in the transfer market but Emery could pounce for a bargain in Nelson.
What’s interesting is that Emery didn’t actually use Nelson all that much during his time as Arsenal boss.
Nelson spent the first year of Emery’s reign out on loan at Hoffenheim, bagging seven goals in 29 games.
Nelson returned to Arsenal but didn’t really kick on as hoped with injuries and competition for places both factors.
Emery was sacked in November and he only picked Nelson to start four times in all competitions with a couple more substitute appearances added on.
Fast forward a few years and Emery is now back in for Nelson, seemingly believing that he can maximise the potential in the winger’s game.
Arsenal will push to keep Nelson but now risk losing the Hale End graduate to their former boss as Emery lurks.
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