Arsenal could reportedly offer Reiss Nelson or Ainsley Maitland-Niles to Crystal Palace, in order to push through a deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
As per an exclusive report from The Sun, Arsenal are interested in signing Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer transfer window. And in order to convince the Eagles to part with their talented defender, the Gunners are prepared to send talented academy graduates Reiss Nelson or Ainsley Maitland-Niles the other way.
Wan-Bissaka has become one of the most in-demand full-backs in the Premier League over the past year. Having burst on to the scenes in the second half of the last season, the 21-year-old has become a mainstay at the back for Eagles ever since. The defender has racked up 31 appearances this term, chipping in with 3 assists till date.
Wan-Bissaka’s rise to prominence has reportedly led to interest from reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and Manchester United. Along with the two Manchester clubs, Arsenal also have emerged as potential suitors for the talented 21-year-old.
The right-back slot has been a problematic one for Arsenal this term, with Hector Bellerin ruled out for the rest of the season, while veteran defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has made little impact since arriving on a free transfer last summer.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has had to use Ainsley Maitland-Niles as a makeshift right-back and while the youngster has impressed in recent matches, the Gunners are looking for a more conventional option for the position and Wan-Bissaka, with his pace and defensive strength, offers just that.
The 21-year-old was watched by Arsenal’s top scout Brian McDermott. The club are now reportedly convinced over the Palace starlet’s ability and want to push ahead for a transfer in the summer. However, the Eagles’ demand of £40 million for their academy product could prove to be a problem for the Gunners who are operating on a tight budget.
To that end, the North London outfit are willing to offer talented teenager Reiss Nelson as a deal sweetener to Crystal Palace in hope of bringing the transfer fee down. The 19-year-old winger is currently away on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, where he has made a solid impression.
Along with Nelson, Arsenal are also prepared to include Maitland-Niles as part of any deal to sign Wan-Bissaka in the summer. The 21-year-old has impressed at every opportunity he has got and put in a brilliant performance in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Rennes last week.
Wan-Bissaka is contracted with Crystal Palace till the summer of 2022, but considering the amount of interest he is generating, there is a good chance that he could be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Arsenal have emerged as a potential destination for the 21-year-old, but it remains to be seen if the Gunners’ pursuit of the full-back bears any fruit.
