Vieira asks Arsenal favour as Crystal Palace pick preference out of pair

Reiss Nelson, Pablo Mari, Arsenal TEAMtalk

Patrick Vieira is using his connections with former club Arsenal in an attempt to secure a loan signing for Crystal Palace, according to a report.

After a lengthy search, Palace appointed Vieira as the successor to Roy Hodgson recently. It sparked the beginning of their rebuild, the focus of which has now turned to players. Palace are hoping that Vieira can help attract several transfer targets as they look to replenish the ranks.

They have already signed Joachim Andersen from Lyon and Marc Guehi from Chelsea to strengthen their defence. Also arriving from the latter is Conor Gallagher, who has joined on loan for the season.

Without the biggest budget, Palace are having to explore other deals on such terms, which could still be a useful strategy for a club trying to breathe new life into the squad. Signing younger players with points to prove, even just for one season, may be beneficial.

With that in mind, Palace are stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to The Sun.

Nelson made his first senior appearance for Arsenal in the summer of 2017 after coming through their academy ranks. He spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Hoffenheim in Germany, but has been back in north London ever since.

Opportunities have been fairly limited; Nelson managed just nine appearances last season, although he did score one Europa League goal.

Inter Milan target Bellerin

Inter Milan target Bellerin

Hector Bellerin looks set to leave Arsenal as the Spanish international's agent has reportedly flown out to England to discuss a move to Inter Milan with the Gunner's hierarchy.

Under contract for another two years, the winger will still have hopes of making it at Arsenal. But at the age of 21, he needs to start playing more regularly, which may send him away from the Emirates Stadium for the time being.

Vieira represented Arsenal with distinction as a player and will hope to have retained a positive relationship with his former club. If they are willing to oblige, he would like to take Nelson on loan from them for the season.

Premier League rules stipulate that Palace are only allowed to sign one more player on loan from within the division. Therefore, they must decide whether Nelson is the man they want to put their faith in.

It seems that will be the case, because Palace would prefer to spend money on a centre-forward and loan in a winger instead.

Also under consideration is Ademola Lookman of RB Leipzig, who returned to England with Fulham on a temporary basis last season. However, Palace would have to pay £3.5m to take him on loan for the 2021-22 campaign, a price that is also off-putting for fellow suitors Burnley and Watford.

Therefore, Nelson may be the better option if Vieira can get a favour from Arsenal.

Arsenal sent warning over Willock

Another young Arsenal star who may benefit from a move away is Joe Willock.

The midfielder was outstanding on loan at Newcastle for the second half of last season and the Magpies would like to take him back.

So far, though, they have had no luck and remain without a single summer signing for their first team.

Steve Bruce recently provided an update on the situation, sending a warning to Arsenal over Willock…

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