Arsenal
Premier League • England
Reiss Nelson sets transfer ‘priority’ with Arteta talks scheduled amid Feyenoord plan
Reiss Nelson is set for decisive talks with Mikel Arteta over his Arsenal future after learning Feyenoord want to keep him for another season, it has been claimed.
Arsenal sent Nelson out on loan to Feyenoord for the 2021-22 season back in August. Despite a patchy start, he has amassed a total of 30 appearances for the Dutch club. Within those, he has contributed three goals and seven assists.
The winger has also helped Feyenoord to the Europa Conference League final, in which they will face Jose Mourinho’s Roma later this month. He therefore has the chance to return to Arsenal in the summer as a European medallist.
Under contract until 2023 with his parent club, it will be an important few months for Nelson to determine his future. Arsenal could either sell him to avoid losing him for free next year, or renew his contract.
According to Fabrizio Romano, after earlier reports from Feyenoord-focused account 1908.nl, there could be a chance for Nelson to remain in the Netherlands.
Supposedly, Feyenoord would like to keep him for one more season. However, they cannot afford a permanent transfer.
Therefore, they may be asking Arsenal to renew his loan. Given his contractual situation, though, it is feasible that the Gunners would have to extend his deal with them first.
They may even have their own plans to reintegrate him in the Premier League, although it is not yet clear. Nelson wants to know what Arsenal have in mind for him.
Hence, a meeting will apparently take place soon between Nelson and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. From that, the 22-year-old wants to gain a better idea of the plans of his parent club.
In turn, Feyenoord will be watching on to see if any developments affect their chances of retaining Nelson’s services for at least another year.
Likewise, Romano claims there are a few English clubs who would be willing to buy Nelson. For now, though, he is giving his priority to Arsenal.
Critical career junction for Reiss Nelson
Under Arteta’s guidance, a number of academy graduates have made the grade for Arsenal. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are two examples in the current squad.
Nelson has had to do things a bit differently. He has played 48 times for Arsenal but has spent time out on loan, first at Hoffenheim and now at Feyenoord.
His current move was important to prevent his career stagnating. But there may yet be a temptation to become part of Arteta’s project next season – especially if they can secure Champions League football.
But at 22 years of age, he cannot afford to become a bit-part player again. Therefore, staying at Feyenoord may be a feasible option.
In turn, though, Arsenal must find a way to make any deal work for them too.
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