Arsenal forward informs club he wants to explore transfer opportunities amid lack of game time: Reports
Reiss Nelson has reportedly told Arsenal that he will assess potential transfer options this summer. The English winger endured a frustrating 2023-24 season due to a lack of first-team opportunities.
The Athletic reports that Nelson is set to mull over potential options to leave the Emirates this summer. The 24-year-old Englishman signed a new contract last summer, which expires in June 2027, with the option of a further year.
Nelson started just four of 23 games across competitions last season, posting one goal and three assists. Arsenal turned down approaches for their academy graduate in January as they tackled a title race.
The Gunners are set to demand around £20 million, including add-ons for the former Feyenoord loanee. He expected more game time last season after putting pen to paper on a new deal but couldn't displace Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.
When speaking in January, Nelson made clear his desire to be handed a more prominent run in Mikel Arteta's first team. He said (via The Evening Standard):
"Arsenal is my club since I was eight years old. Of course, I want to be playing much more than I am right now. It’s good to be coming off the bench, but I want to be starting."
Nelson debuted in 2017, aged 17, under Arsene Wenger and was tipped to become a major hit at the Emirates. He's since made 89 appearances, registering eight goals and nine assists.
Where will Reiss Nelson go if he leaves Arsenal this summer?
Nelson is most likely set to remain in the Premier League as he received interest from English clubs last summer and in January. Brighton & Hove Albion were linked with the young winger as recently as March while Roberto De Zerbi was still at the helm.
The Seagulls endured a topsy-turvy season with several of their attackers out injured. Kaoro Mitoma was a big miss, and Barcelona loanee Ansu Fati failed to shine at the Amex.
De Zerbi has since left and been replaced by German coach Fabian Hurzeler, the youngest Premier League manager in history. The 31-year-old will want to assess his squad before deciding on targets, but Nelson could be an option.
Brighton were renowned for their wing play under De Zerbi, and Nelson would have suited the Italian coach's brand of football. His pace and agility have helped Arsenal over the years.