Mikel Arteta could be set to let two Arsenal academy graduates leave the club this summer as Italian giants AC Milan consider a swoop for Reiss Nelson.
The Gunners are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer as Arteta continues to build on what has been an impressive season at the Emirates Stadium. In order to finance a host of arrivals, a clutch of players are expected to quit the club.
Among those could potentially be academy graduate Reiss Nelson. The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer and could leave Arsenal on a free transfer.
Talks have been underway regarding an extended deal in North London but as it stands, an agreement is yet to be found. That could leave the Gunners in a vulnerable position particularly with interest in his services ramping up.
According to CalcioMercato, reigning Serie A giants AC Milan are interested in a deal for his signature having been offered him by his representatives. However, they will only make a move for him should an agreement not be found with Arsenal over the coming weeks.
Nelson has only made six Premier League appearances for the Gunners this season but has been to a couple of wins - an inspired two-goal performance against Nottingham Forest and a l ate winning strike against Bournemouth among his highlights. After the latter, he admitted that he was planning an extended stay in North London.
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“Of course (I want to stay),” Nelson said. “I’ve been here since I was eight and Arsenal is all I know. I’m only a couple of minutes from the stadium, all my family is there. So of course I’d love to stay.
“To be playing, even in games just like this I’m delighted. Of course, injuries are just a minor setback, but of course, I just look towards the future and hopefully, I can play many more years at the club.”
Should he seal a move to Milan then he could become the second academy graduate to leave the club. Southampton loanee Ainsley Maitland-Niles has already admitted that he is planning to bid farewell once he returns.
Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now [at Arsenal]. It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home.
"I’m looking forward to that but, at the same time, my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton. I’m just fully focused on trying to help us stay up and stay positive on a day-to-day basis and win games.
"When the time gets closer towards the end of the season, I’ll have something else to think about. But right now, I’m just focused on football and the task at hand.”
