Journalist James McNicholas has been on The Athletic’s YouTube Channel speaking about the future of Reiss Nelson at Arsenal.
Nelson is coming into the final year of his contract with the Gunners, and having failed to insert himself into Mikel Arteta’s thinking, his time in north London could be up.
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, directly contributing to 11 goals in 31 appearances in the Netherlands after enduring a frustrating campaign in Arteta’s first full season as Arsenal boss, where he played just 69 Premier League minutes.
He appeared to be in the manager’s original thinking, but with the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Gabriel Martinelli, the Englishman has been deemed surplus to requirements and McNicholas fears for his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Does Reiss Nelson have a future at Arsenal?
Yes
No
He said: “There’s a few other [futures] that I think are more in question, somebody like Reiss Nelson – what decision will Arsenal make on him? He had a good loan spell in Holland, but no indications that he plays a major part in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so he could go.”
TIF Thoughts on Nelson and Arsenal…
Interestingly, Nelson was given the backing of ex-Feyenoord and Arsenal man Robin van Persie.
Back in May, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Feyenoord were willing to keep the winger on loan for another season as they are unable to afford a permanent move, and while there is reported interest from other clubs, the transfer guru claimed that the London-born forward was set for talks with Arteta to clarify his status in the squad.
He is valued at £5.85m by Transfermarkt but it is unknown what sort of fee Edu and company would command or whether they will decide to reintegrate him into the squad, so it certainly seems as though Nelson’s future is indeed up in the air.