Arsenal forward poised to quit as eight clubs make contact and Arteta offer is firmly slapped down

Arsenal are facing up to the likely departure of winger Reiss Nelson this summer with eight clubs now making concrete proposals to sign him, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has been restricted to just five Premier League appearances this season with injuries curtailing his chances. However, he has certainly made a big impact when called upon, with three goals and two assists to his name from just 108 minutes of action.

That incredible record means he has a goal contribution every 21.6 minutes he’s been on the field this season. That insane contribution is inferior – albeit on a far lesser scale – than even the great Erling Haaland. The striking Viking has a goal contribution every 60.4 minutes he’s played in the Premier League this season.

Of course, the two men are very much incomparable with few striking fear into opposition sides the way Haaland does. But it does give you an example of why Mikel Arteta rates Nelson so highly.

But with his deal due to expire on June 30, Arsenal face the prospect of losing the winger on a free transfer.

Arteta is, understandably, keen to extend Nelson’s stay and has offered him a raise on his current £35,000 a week terms.

Nelson, though, wants to play regular first-team football – and with a number of quality options blocking his path at Arsenal, could look to move elsewhere.

Indeed, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are all ahead of him in the pecking order. And as a result, it seems Arteta’s offer to extend his stay looks set to be firmly slapped down.

Saka is firmly established as Arsenal’s first choice in Nelson’s favoured position on the right wing

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Reiss Nelson has eight clubs chasing his services

Indeed, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip listed the four Premier League clubs who are all keen to acquire Nelson’s services.

And with Aston Villa, Brighton, Fulham and West Ham all trying to entice him, the Gunners man is not short of options.

In addition, Tuttomercatoweb also claims Nelson has two offers from Italy to consider too. To that end, both Atalanta and Roma are reported to have spoken to his agent over the prospect of the 23-year-old moving to Serie A this summer.

As it stands, Roma certainly make for the more attractive option of the two. Indeed, Jose Mourinho’s side are currently on track to offer Champions League football next season.

Beyond that, Nelson also has interest in him too from French side Rennes.

And it is understood that an unnamed club in the Bundesliga has also made their move to snap the winger up.

Either way, Nelson faces a big decision over his future in the coming weeks. However, transfer journalist Graeme Bailey recently told us that a move away from Emirates Stadium looks the likely outcome for Nelson.

And while he is happy to receive an extention offer from Arsenal, it is regular minutes he craves. As such, a summer move away to whichever club best sells their project to him appears likely.

“There remains a huge question mark over his long-term future,” Bailey said. “Mikel Arteta wants the homegrown product to stay, but at 23 he is far from assured of much game time.

“That is the main issue Arsenal face. The only thing they can do is offer hm a contract. But what they can’t do is offer him guarantees over playing time.

“Of course he wants to remain at his hometown club. But in reality – and in terms of his future progression – he may very well decide his future lies elsewhere.”

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