Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Arteta devastated by stunning Arsenal U-turn with attacker in talks over major move despite Gunners ‘agreement’

Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe puts his arm round Reiss Nelson after Arsenal win

An Arsenal forward may be about to snub his prospective new contract with the club and sign for a European giant, according to a bombshell report.

Arsenal chiefs are gradually working their way through the squad, tying down their most important players to new contracts. This season, the Gunners have managed to finalise new deals for Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes.

Centre-half William Saliba, who has enjoyed a brilliant debut season at the Emirates, is next in line. Although, Arsenal need to get this done sooner rather than later as Paris Saint-Germain are interested and lurking.

Arsenal are also in talks with captain Martin Odegaard over fresh terms following his exceptional campaign during which he notched 15 goals and eight assists. Like Saliba, Odegaard’s top performances have resulted in links with some of Europe’s biggest sides, but the playmaker seems happy in North London and Arsenal will use this to their advantage.

There has been plenty of talk surrounding winger Reiss Nelson. His contract expires at the end of June and this has resulted in interest from Premier League trio Aston Villa, Brighton and Fulham.

Nelson has rejected two contract offers from Arsenal, according to the Daily Mail. As a result, they came forward with an improved third proposal.

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It is claimed a ‘breakthrough’ in talks between the two parties has recently resulted in an ‘agreement in principle’. Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that Nelson would rather stay at Arsenal than move elsewhere.

However, a major report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) has cast serious doubt over Nelson’s new Arsenal deal. They reveal that Italian giants Milan are still firmly in the mix to sign the 23-year-old. Milan have even been in contact with Nelson in the last few days to try and convince him on a transfer.

Reiss Nelson must choose between Arsenal and Milan

The Rossoneri view the signing as a potentially great piece of business. Due to Nelson’s contract running down he will not cost a penny in transfer fees. And while he has not managed to establish himself as a starter with Arsenal, Nelson is still an exciting forward with good potential.

The former England U21 international now has a big decision to make. He loves Arsenal, having been with them since the age of nine. However, this may be the time for Nelson to take a big leap and test himself at a new club.

This is clearly a risk, but if he does not take it then he may simply end up warming the bench over the next few years. While Arteta rates Nelson, the wide man will struggle to get into the Arsenal team ahead of Saka and Martinelli.

Nelson may want to follow in the footsteps of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. They have both swapped Chelsea for Serie A and have picked up regular game time since.

The next few weeks will be crucial as Nelson moves towards a potentially career-defining decision.

Meanwhile, a report has sensationally claimed Thierry Henry could sign four Arsenal players when taking up a big managerial role.