Reiss Nelson has been a super-sub for Arsenal this current campaign. Though he has not started a lot of games, he has left his mark on this team. He has done enough for the fans wanting to retain his services, though it seems that the Englishman could be all set to leave the Emirates at the end of the current campaign.
The North London giants are looking to expand their current squad. For that purpose, they need loyal players who possess the quality to perform under pressure situations. For his purpose, players like Reiss Nelson are a bare necessity for sure.
When Does Reiss Nelson’s Contract Expire!?
Nelson is in the 5th year of his current deal, which is also the final season of his contract. It is all set to expire at the end of the current campaign. It is a £3,900,000 deal that will see him leave as a free-agent once the present term is over. This could be problematic for Mikel Arteta and co. who would not want to lose such a prized asset.
Keeping That In Mind, Here Are 3 Reasons Why Arsenal Needs To Extend The Contract Of Reiss Nelson And Fast!!
The Attacker Is An Just 23 At Present And Is A Former England Youth International
The Londoners have a host of young talented stars that they want to retain. This is their policy under Arteta and they want to have a squad full of young talents. To add to that, Reiss Nelson is an academy product, who is just 23 at present. He was one of Arsene Wenger’s picks to join the first-team squad back in 2017.
Since then, the player has seen quite a few ups and downs. He has been away on loan a couple of times as well. On both these occasions, he has done enough to remain at the Emirates. With that being said, Mikel Arteta needs him in his squad.
With Champions League football a guarantee from the upcoming campaign, Arteta needs players he can trust and either start or bring on when the going gets tough. Reiss Nelson is one such player and his quality can be seen in his performances these terms. Though he may not want to play second fiddle to the likes of Saka and others, he still can get a lot more game-time from the upcoming season.
Lastly, he is English. No club in their right minds would want a former England youth international with so much quality leave for free. Even if they want to get rid of him at any point in time, an extension and then sale would be the start thing to do. Hence, Edu and co. better get to work and fast!!
The Future Of Bukayo Saka Is Still Uncertain And Arsenal Will Need To Consider More Options Like Reiss Nelson For The Long Term
A recent report from Football.London confirmed that Bukayo Saka’s contract was set to expire in 2023. However, the Gunners triggered a one-year extension clause in it and are now trying to negotiate a new deal with the player. There has nothing been confirmed as of now and the fans are waiting for answers.
Whatever be the case with regards to Saka, Arteta would not want to lose out on Reiss Nelson amid this uncertainty. Already, the thought of Champions League football and further Premier League ambitions would be too much for this squad to handle. Under such circumstances, the Spaniard would surely not want to lose another quality youngster right now.
With that being said, the impetus will be to push the winger to extend his contract. There need to be some assurances made to the player that he will be given what he needs. It will be the least that the recruitment team needs to do, otherwise, there could be some serious problems in the days that follow.
Arsenal Has Other Priorities With Regards To Signings And A Right-Winger Is Not One Of Them
Now, one of the other major reasons that Arsenal do not wish to lose Reiss Nelson is that the club has other priorities at present. They are keen on signing players like Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo (even some reports suggest Mason Mount). And as per the recent claims, a budget has been set for them.
So, Mikel Arteta may not have enough money to buy in a top winger at the end of the campaign. His entire budget may be spent on bringing in his other midfield targets. And it will be a real struggle if there is some sort of a bidding war.
If Reiss Nelson does indeed leave the club, Arsenal may have to switch priority and buy alternatives to their primary targets. And also get in a decent winger as a backup for Saka for sure. It will be interesting to now see how things develop, though the complications just keep pilling up for now!!
