Arsenal will likely pursue a new attacker in case Reiss Nelson leaves ahead of deadline day, as they could face a shortage of forwards.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal may draw up a plan to sign a new attacker should Reiss Nelson leave in the final days of the window. The Gunners have been looking for a wide attacker during the summer, but so far, they have not made a move for one, which could change ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.
Arsenal planning on signing a new attacker?
Arsenal have had a steady window so far, balancing the incomings with outgoings. Edu Gaspar had identified their priority targets, which included defender Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino, as both have come into the squad. At the same time, there have been a few outgoings, including Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham.
The Gunners have also reached an agreement to sell Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, and there could be more outgoings before the window shuts. Arsenal have reportedly shut the door on Jakub Kiwior leaving the club, which could be related to the severity of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury. However, they might be open to offers for Reiss Nelson.
Nelson is a target for a few Premier League sides, including Fulham, Leicester City, and West Ham United. The Gunners want around £20 million to sell their homegrown star, and in case he leaves, they will enter the market for a replacement or another attacker in a different position.
Arsenal view Nelson as a backup to Bukayo Saka, although there have been suggestions they were keen on a left-winger such as Nico Williams. Either way, should the 24-year-old leave, they will have to sign an attacker or a clear-cut winger to address the shortages that Mikel Arteta will have in the attacking setup ahead of a long season.
Arsenal’s attacking targets
With Williams still a target, there are doubts about whether Arsenal can sign him as the Spaniard is leaning towards staying put at Athletic Club. Arsenal are keeping tabs on Andreas Skov Olsen from Club Brugge, although he is an unpolished player with bags of potential, which would deem him not suited for Arteta’s current plans.
There were rumoured links to Raheem Sterling as well as Kingsley Coman, although only time will tell whether Arteta prefers an experienced player or someone in the younger age group. Either way, should they sell Reiss Nelson, Arsenal must sign a new attacker to keep the numbers healthy in the attacking setup.
