Reiss Nelson has sent Mikel Arteta yet another reminder ahead of the summer transfer window. The loanee has been excellent in recent weeks and his most recent display certainly would have impressed the Arsenal manager.
Nelson became a forgotten man earlier in the season, as he struggled to stamp his marker on his loan at Feyenoord. But in recent weeks it has almost been impossible to ignore him, such the impact he has had.
Arsenal could be in need of a winger in the summer transfer depending on the future of Nicolas Pepe. Nelson’s recent performances has highlighted that he could be an option that Arteta explores.
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The Hale End academy graduate scored a goal and provided an assist for Feyenoord over the weekend against Fortuna Sittard, as his side came out 3-1 winners. This also meant that Nelson has eight goal contributions in his last six matches, showing a clear improvement in his game over the course of the campaign.
Nelson initially struggled during the early days of his Feyenoord loan, and the Dutch sides’ manager Arne Slot explained why. Speaking about Nelson, Slot said: “Nelson had participated in almost all training sessions at Arsenal, but he experiences the training here as a bit more intense.
"He suffered an overuse injury and so he is not here. Whether he will make it to PSV [at the weekend] remains to be seen. At least not as a starting player."
Nelson is currently on his second loan since breaking into the first team from the Hale End academy as he played in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim during the 2018/19 campaign before returning to Arsenal. Since his return from the first loan, he failed to break into Arteta’s side, which is why he is currently on loan at Feyenoord for the season.
If Nelson continues his excellent run of form then there could potentially be a spot for him in north London next season. The future of Nicolas Pepe is uncertain, and Gabriel Martinelli has been tipped to move from his wide-midfield role into a more central forward position. If these moves happen, then there is space for a new player in the wing position and Nelson has the chance to grasp the role with both hands.
The Gunners have been linked with another winger from the Eredivise in Cody Gakpo from PSV, who is quoted to cost around £36m. However, if Nelson continues to impress then Edu could save this money and use it to spend on other areas of the squad rather than using to bring in Gakpo or another winger.
The 22-year-old had almost become a forgotten thought at Arsenal after making the loan switch to Feyenoord at the start of the season. Despite being one of the more promising Hale End academy graduates, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka have set the Premier League on fire and have taken the crown as Arsenal’s academy successes. But Nelson’s recent charge in form could allow him to once again stake a claim in Arteta’s squad.
