Newcastle United could do themselves a huge favour by looking at a move for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson this summer.
Hear me out, I know the lad has barely kicked a ball for Arsenal but that’s their mismanagement more than an indictment on Reiss Nelson‘s talent, and Newcastle really want some fresh attacking talent.
The 23-year-old attacker has rejected two contract offers from Arsenal already and the Gunners have offered him a third according to The Daily Mail, but it’s believed that Nelson will prefer to let his contract expire in the summer and find himself a new club.
Newcastle should take advantage of Nelson’s contract situation
Arsenal definitely still rate Nelson as they are desperate to keep hold of him. Mikel Arteta himself has even hailed Nelson as ‘special‘ but despite that praise, he hasn’t started a game for Arsenal since 2019.
He’s made a few cameos for Arsenal this season, most notably in their 5-0 demolition of Nottingham Forest when he came off the bench and helped himself to two goals and provided an assist. Also in their 3-2 win against Bournemouth he scored one and set up one in a 20 minute cameo.
Nelson has featured in each of Arsenal’s last six games and has looked decent, but from the outside looking in, it appears that Arsenal can’t offer him the game time he wants.
Joe Willock is good friends with Reiss Nelson and could help convince him to come
Newcastle are on the lookout for attacking options and Nelson could be a good shout on a free transfer. His good friend Joe Willock could even help to convince him to make the move up north.
Nelson posted a message to Willock after his move to Newcastle saying he’ll miss him but supports his decision. Maybe now is the time for a reunion?
Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth have a list of wingers they’re looking at, many of whom carry hefty price tags, but Newcastle could save a fortune by scooping up Nelson who can on either flank and through the middle.
It wouldn’t be as exciting as a £60million signing of someone like Moussa Diaby, sure, but the Magpies could bring in both. Squad depth has been our weakness this season.
Of course, Newcastle would have to offer assurances of game time for Nelson to even begin to convince him as that’s been the issue at Arsenal, which is why he may end up going elsewhere. There has reportedly been interest from Brighton and AC Milan.
Food for thought though, eh?