Arteta’s Arsenal reportedly ready to let go of fan favourite young star

Reiss Nelson is a product of Arsenal’s academy and has been with the club since he was just a kid. He has made a few appearances for the Gunners, this season due to injuries and inability to get a spot in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven. However, despite his impressive journey from the academy, Arsenal have yet to commit to tying him down to a new deal..

The 23-year-old’s current contract expires at the end of the season and with no signs of a new deal being offered, Nelson is close to leaving the club for free in the summer. This has attracted interest from many clubs, including West Ham United, who are reportedly keen on signing him on a free transfer.

Nelson has made just seven appearances for the Gunners this season, having suffered with several injuries during the campaign. Despite this, he has still managed to impress when given an opportunity and it is believed that he could be an important player for Arsenal in the future if they can keep hold of him.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Reiss Nelson scores Arsenal’s 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on July 15, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Given all that, it has been reported by the Metro that Arsenal are not in any hurry to extend Nelson’s contract which expires at the end of the season, though the 23-year-old’s preference is to stay at his boyhood club. It remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal will offer him a new deal before his current one runs out or if they will allow him to leave on a free transfer in order to save money on wages.

Either way, it looks like Reiss Nelson will have plenty of options available should he decide to leave Arsenal at the end of this season. With so many clubs interested in signing him on a free transfer, it could be difficult for Arsenal to keep hold of their academy graduate unless they are willing to commit to offering him an improved contract soon.