Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is attracting significant interest from Premier League clubs this summer. Sunderland and Bournemouth are reportedly leading the chase for the 25-year-old, who Arsenal value at £20 million. The Gunners are willing to sell the academy graduate, with the funds counting as pure profit under FFP regulations.
Sunderland and Bournemouth compete for Arsenal winger
Sunderland are keen to bolster their squad after promotion, identifying Nelson as a key target. Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has reportedly held direct talks with Mikel Arteta as he tries to convince his friend to sell the winger to the Cherries.
Nelson is contracted to Arsenal until 2027, but has struggled for consistent game time and injuries have time and again hampered his progress at N5, with a loan spell at Fulham last season cut short by a hamstring problem. He made only 12 appearances, scoring two goals. Arsenal are open to a permanent transfer, seeking around £20 million for the player.
Nelson comes with a homegrown status which boosts Arsenal’s transfer plans
Arsenal’s desire to sell Nelson stems from his homegrown status. Any fee received would significantly aid their summer transfer plans under Financial Fair Play rules. Sunderland’s interest reflects their ambition under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Florent Ghisolfi as the Black Cats looks to compound on what has already been a big summer, and they see Nelson as a valuable addition.
Bournemouth view Nelson as competition for Antoine Semenyo. Iraola’s involvement shows their determination to secure his signature. Crystal Palace have also been linked, with a possible player-plus-cash deal involving Eberechi Eze being discussed. However, Fulham are unlikely to make a permanent move due to Arsenal’s valuation and Nelson’s wage demands. A loan move remains a possibility if Arsenal subsidize his wages.
Arteta will assesses Reiss Nelson’s future as we near pre-season
Nelson is currently with the Arsenal squad in Spain for pre-season training. He will have an opportunity to impress Arteta in upcoming friendlies. However, his long-term future seems increasingly likely to lie away from the Emirates. Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements further suggests Nelson is surplus to requirements. They are actively looking to bolster their attacking options.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s willingness to sell Reiss Nelson is a strategic decision driven by financial considerations and squad planning. Sunderland and Bournemouth’s interest provides Arsenal with a good opportunity to secure a significant fee for a player who has struggled to break into the first team. This sale would free up funds for further additions to Arteta’s squad.
