Newcastle miss out on chance to reunite Joe Willock with 23-year-old

Add as preferred source on Google

Joe Willock will have been enthused by talk of Newcastle United possibly signing Reiss Nelson, but it looks like that will not be happening now.

Nelson has been a free agent after his Arsenal contract expired, and was linked with a move to St James’ Park.

The 23-year-old would have been an astute addition who would have offered more depth out wide, while it would have given him a chance to link back up with his close friend Willock. Nelson and Newcastle’s number 28 came through the ranks at Arsenal together, and the former even admitted that he was nearly reduced to tears when the latter joined the Magpies.

A reunion was a possibility this summer, but Nelson has now reportedly made a decision over his future – and he is continuing with Arsenal.

Reiss Nelson staying at Arsenal

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has spoke to Caught Offside about Nelson, explaining that the winger has signed a new four-year deal with the Gunners to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

“The good news continues for Arsenal as Reiss Nelson has signed his new four-year contract to commit his future to the club,” he said.

“I’ve spoken about other clubs also being interested in Nelson and I can reveal here that AC Milan, Brighton and also one French club were the teams who explored this possibility.

“There was really strong interest in Nelson but he decided to stay, he loves Arsenal and he’s happy to play Champions League football next season. This was an important factor, including his conversations with Mikel Arteta.”

Newcastle look elsewhere

Interestingly, Romano does not mention any interest from Newcastle. Either he was unaware, or Football Transfers’ claim was wide of the mark.

Regardless, Nelson is not on his way to play Champions League football under Eddie Howe. Instead, he will get that opportunity under Mikel Arteta.

The search for a new winger at Newcastle continues, with Harvey Barnes seemingly the favourite at the minute. There is a lot of speculation surrounding him leaving Leicester City and heading to the North East.

There are other players linked, including some of Europe’s biggest names. Federico Chiesa is reportedly on the Magpies’ radar, while talk of Moussa Diaby coming to Tyneside refuses to go away.

Whether it is Barnes, Chiesa, Diaby or someone else, the Toon owners are going to have to get the chequebook out. That would not have been the case with Nelson, but he has now decided to re-sign with Arsenal.