Fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.
With reported Arsenal transfer target Pedro Neto headed to Chelsea, Wolves are seeking a replacement for the Portuguese winger with Nelson a possible option. The 24-year-old has already informed the Gunners of his desire to leave this season following his struggles for game time at the Emirates Stadium.
Reiss Nelson and previous Leicester interest
Reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano had previously reported on Leicester City’s interest in the winger. He reported that the Foxes were keen to sign Nelson on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy if certain conditions were met. However, with Leicester’s financial struggles the deal has reportedly fallen through.
Primarily deployed as a winger, Nelson’s speed and tricky dribbling abilities make him a tough opponent for any fullback. The 24-year-old has represented England at various youth levels but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions. An Arsenal academy graduate, Nelson has enjoyed loan spells at TSG Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, during which he showed his ability to score goals when given regular game time.
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The winger failed to start a single game in the Premier League during the 2022-23 season, prompting him to seek a move away. Arsenal rejected approaches for him, wanting him to stay for squad depth with the Gunners competing in multiple competitions. However, Nelson’s game time has not improved much this season, with just five starts across all competitions, including a sole Premier League start.
Higher bargaining power with Wolves
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While the Leicester move fell through due to the Foxes’ financial troubles, Wolves, who are set to receive a transfer fee upwards of £50 million for Pedro Neto, have no such financial concerns. This gives Arsenal higher bargaining power, as Wolves will have the funds to negotiate a fair deal.
Nelson is clearly not in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so selling him this summer is the ideal move for the North London side. A transfer would allow the Englishman to get the regular game time he deserves while providing Arsenal with a ‘pure profit’ of an academy graduate that will help them comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules.
