Leicester City have received a major setback in their pursuit of the services of Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson.
According to a report from Leicestershire Live, Leicester City are keen on signing Arsenal attacking sensation Reiss Nelson before the start of the 2024/25 season. But they have hit a roadblock in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.
While both clubs were involved in initial talks, the deal is not advancing, and the financial side of things looks like a major problem for the Foxes. Nelson has come up the ranks at Arsenal, and he has been a part of their first team since the summer of 2019.
While he has been around for a long while, the English forward has not been able to establish himself as a regular starter. He has surely delivered quite a few performances. But the majority of his appearances have come off the bench.
Reiss Nelson still has three years left on his deal at Arsenal. But he has been linked with a move away from the club in search of a more prominent role. Leicester City, who have secured an immediate return to the Premier League, seem interested in the 24-year-old right winger.
Leicester City cannot afford to sign Reiss Nelson
The Foxes want to reinforce their attack, and they were keen on signing Matia Soule. But with the Argentine prospect heading to AS Roma, Leicester City are focusing on alternatives, and Nelson is quite high on their wishlist.
While the former Premier League champions did hold initial talks with the Gunners about a potential transfer, the deal has not advanced. And the report states Nelson’s future does not lie at the King Power Stadium. He is beyond their financial capabilities.
West Ham United are also interested in the Arsenal homegrown player as they look to reshape their team under the leadership of Julen Lopetegui. As per reports, they even submitted an offer worth around £15 million.
Leicester City have also tabled an offer of over £20 million, which suggests the transfer fee is not a problem. But perhaps, they cannot afford to meet the 24-year-old’s wage demands. At this point, Nelson is not closing in on an exit and is in the US with the Arsenal squad for their pre-season tour.
