Arsenal’s pre-season for the 2022/2023 campaign is crucial for Reiss Nelson, who has an excellent opportunity to impress Mikel Arteta ahead of the Premier League opener on August 5. There is space in the right-wing position which Nelson can nail down to the end of next season.
Not only would Nelson’s performance benefit himself but also Arsenal in the transfer market as it could give the Gunners breathing space for a year before attempting the dream transfer for Serge Gnabry.
Signing the German would be highly unlikely this season as he is the type of player that must be competing amongst Europe’s elite. However, if Arteta’s side qualifies for the Champions League ahead of the next season, then there is every opportunity of a deal happening.
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German news outlet Bild reported that Arsenal were interested in bringing Serge Gnabry back to the club this summer, but their failure to qualify for the Champions League removes any hope of making it happen. However, he is a free agent in 2023, and Arsenal can explore that option.
It seemed that Edu was going against exploring the Gnabry route, as he was determined to strengthen the wing departments in this summer transfer window. Raphinha was the ideal target, but a deal fell through after Chelsea attempted to hijack the transfer.
Arsenal have not been heavily linked to an alternative since then, and a reason for this could be due to early impressions that Nelson has been showing in pre-season. The Gunners need competition for Saka, and that is certainly a spot up for grabs that Nelson should be looking to take with both hands.
The north London side needs to decide whether to keep or sell Pepe at the end of the season, as he enters the territory of having less than three years left on his contract.
Keeping him beyond two years remaining on his contract will massively debunk his value and increase the threat of losing him on a free transfer which would be an absolute nightmare considering his £72million price tag.
According to Spanish news outlet Superdeporte, Sevilla have made contact with Arsenal over the signing of Pepe. The report goes on to say that the Gunners are prepared to let him leave. This follows news that Pepe’s future is uncertain at the club as, according to the Evening Standard, Arsenal will sit down with the winger and his agent at the end of the season to discuss his future.
If the Gunners were to sell Pepe at the end of the season, then competition alongside Saka would certainly be needed. Despite the excellent performances the Englishman has shown for Arsenal throughout the season, there have been times when he has shown signs of burnout, and having someone who can help successfully share the attacking load would certainly be beneficial.
Nelson could give Arsenal the key breathing space, which allows Edu to wait until next summer to pursue Gnabry. The German would be the perfect signing for Arsenal as he would certainly be a statement signing for the north London side.
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