Arsenal are keen on extending the contract of Reiss Nelson but are under pressure due to interest from Aston Villa and West Ham United.
According to Daily Mail, Aston Villa and West Ham United are among the teams keen to sign Reiss Nelson on a Bosman deal. The £35,000-a-week Arsenal winger’s contract expires in the summer. But the Gunners are keen to extend his stay and protect his value.
Reiss Nelson has had an injury-plagued season but made the difference when called upon. The winger famously scored the winner against Bournemouth in the 98th minute to clinch all three points and has achieved iconic status among the Arsenal fanbase.
His involvement remains sporadic as Mikel Arteta has plenty of options to start games ahead of the winger. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have nailed the wing positions on either flank, while Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe are backup figures.
Nelson has essentially played ahead of Smith Rowe due to the Englishman’s injury troubles this season. However, Arteta seems to have faith in the winger and wants to extend his stay beyond the summer when his original deal expires.
As the discussions over an extension continue, the Gunners might face pressure from interested parties. Aston Villa and West Ham are keen, while Brighton are also keeping tabs on the £35,000-a-week Arsenal winger.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery knows Nelson and what he can bring to the team. They might struggle to keep Leon Bailey fit for consistent periods and see the Arsenal star as a potential replacement. Nelson’s availability on a free could make a deal even sweeter.
Meanwhile, West Ham are also looking at the winger and could offer him a route out of Arsenal. They could give him plenty of game time at the London Stadium, and Nelson may not have to leave the city altogether. The Hammers are a good option, especially when looking at young talents to improve their squad.
Also Read: Aston Villa: The Unai Emery gamble is about to reap European rewards
Nelson also has offers from abroad. But the £35,000-a-week Arsenal winger wants to remain in England, preferably with Arsenal. The north Londoners are willing to improve his current salary, but they will protect the player’s value for future windows if he cannot gel in.
