24-year-old Arsenal star set to join recently promoted PL side on loan: Reports
Ipswich Town are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson on loan. The English attacker's potential move could pave the way for the Gunners to make a last-minute swoop for Raheem Sterling.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Ipswich are in advanced talks with the north London giants regarding signing Nelson on loan. He's struggled for game time for several years, unable to cement a place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI.
Nelson has made just a two-minute cameo appearance this season. He started just five of 24 games across competitions last season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
The young English winger's potential loan move to Ipswich opens the door for Arsenal to try and sign Sterling. The Gunners are interested in signing the Chelsea forward on loan, and he's open to joining the club after being frozen out at Stamford Bridge.
Nelson signed a new long-term contract in July 2023, which expires in 2027. He may have expected more game time but he's struggled for a consistent run in Arteta's team.
Arteta remained tight-lipped over Nelson's future earlier this summer. He said amid links with other Premier League newcomers Leicester City (via LeicestershireLive):
"A lot of players have been linked with potential moves; one way or the other, it’s normal. We are in that moment in the market. What I really like are the players that we have, with the level that they are showing and especially the commitment that you can see in those two, just the way they have performed."
Ipswich have made some exciting signings since earning back-to-back promotions as they try to stay up this season. Nelson will be eager to show what he's capable of if he heads to Portman Road.
Arsenal's Reiss Nelson reportedly received enquiries from four clubs
Nelson is one to watch as the clock ticks down on transfer deadline day. Ipswich weren't seemingly the only club monitoring his situation at Arsenal.
Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth reports that four clubs showed interest in signing Nelson. Those clubs were unnamed, and it remains to be seen whether the Tractor Boys were one of them.
Nelson is familiar with spending time out on loan as he's had loan spells at German outfit Hoffenheim and Dutch side Feyenoord. He's shown glimpses of what he's capable of during his Arsenal career.
The 12-cap England U21 international is a Hale End Academy graduate. He could follow longtime teammate Emile Smith Rowe out of the Emirates after the English midfielder joined Fulham earlier this summer.