Hertha Berlin are reportedly keen on signing Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson after he impressed on loan to Hoffenheim last season.
According to The Sun, Reiss Nelson could be on the verge of a return to Bundesliga as Hertha Berlin zone in on the Arsenal youngster. The club from the capital are interested in securing a loan deal for the winger, as they prepare for life without Valentino Lazaro next season.
Nelson emerged as one of Bundesliga’s most promising youngsters during the Ruckrunde as he played a key role for TSG Hoffenheim after initially joining the club on loan last summer.
He scored seven goals and provided one assist in 23 matches, helping Die Kraichgauer resurrect an overall disappointing campaign that saw them finish ninth in the league table. They did, however, end up as the third highest-scoring team in the league, thanks to the excellent offensive combination between Nelson, Andrej Kramaric and Joelinton.
Now, Hertha, it seems, fancy a return for the Arsenal star in the upcoming season. The Old Lady are set for a potential squad overhaul following the departure of Pal Dardai. And Nelson, in that regard, could help fix the void left by the departure of Lazaro, who joined Inter Milan earlier this summer.
However, letting Nelson leave on loan could turn out to be a potential gamble from Arsenal’s part. The 19-year-old has already shown that he is capable of thriving at the highest level of football with his performances with Hoffenheim last season. And considering the club’s shortcomings in the ongoing transfer market, Nelson can be considered as a back-up in many ways.
Indeed, the Gunners are struggling to meet the asking price for prime target Wilfried Zaha and have already been rejected more than once. They have a slender transfer budget as well, which could restrict Unai Emery from signing a quality winger considering the inflation in the current market.
Nelson’s presence in the first-team will offer the Spaniard with an additional option aside from the likes of Alex Iwobi and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. Emery also has other young options in attack he could utilise next season, including Eddie Nketiah and new signing Gabriel Martinelli, both of who are impressing the onlookers with their blistering performances in the pre-season friendlies.
Hence, Arsenal must keep hold of this highly-talented youngster, who is more than capable of emerging as the potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez. Hertha, meanwhile, are also targeting Watford sensation Dodi Lukebakio, who could be a useful alternative should their pursuit of Nelson end in failure.
