Three Prem clubs among several pursuing Arsenal man in contract limbo
Three Premier League sides are closely monitoring the contract situation of one of Arsenal’s young guns, a report has claimed.
Mikel Arteta is targeting a major overhaul of his squad this summer in order to make a top four challenge once again next season. In both of their past two campaigns they have finished a disappointing 8th. In fact, it was back in the 2015/16 season they achieved their last Champions League spot.
One of the challenges the Gunners boss faces is figuring out what to do with the promising talents he has in the squad.
Eddie Nketiah, for example, has 12 months left on his contract. After failing to sign a new deal, the 21-year-old has been placed on the transfer list.
One of the brightest sparks the Spaniard has at his disposal is Emile Smith Rowe. The 20-year-old has been drawing significant attention from Aston Villa so far this transfer window.
He, like Nketiah, has been reportedly reluctant to sign a new contract at the Emirates. However, the midfielder is firmly in Arteta’s plans for 2021/22.
And now it is the turn of their teammate Reiss Nelson to be in a standoff with the north London club over a new deal.
Nelson is another with just a year to run on his current contract. According to CBS Sports, Arsenal want to tie him down to a long-term extension.
But currently there has been no progression in the relevant talks. Consequently, the Gunners may be forced to sell like they have with Nketiah.
The report states those interested in the academy graduate are Crystal Palace, Brighton and Brentford.
They are not the only teams though. ‘Several’ Bundesliga clubs are also on the list of admirers for the England under-21 international.
That comes as no surprise as he enjoyed a successful loan spell with German side Hoffenheim in the 2018/19 season.
He clocked up 23 appearances, most of which came from the bench, and scored seven times in the league.
Nelson a hot commodity
And another team that are named alongside the trio of English sides are Olympiacos, who were linked with Nelson back in April.
A report by Football.London claimed he attracting interest from the Greek side when doubts over his Arsenal future began to creep in.
The two sides meant in last season’s Europa League. Nelson did not feature, but they have apparently been observing him since last summer.
The suggestion at that time was they only want to take Nelson on loan, rather than permanently. This may have changed since, but if not, they would be out of the running.
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