Report: Leicester Engages in Talks to Sign Arsenal Winger
Leicester City in Talks with Arsenal for Reiss Nelson Loan Deal with Obligation to Buy
The 24-year-old Reiss Nelson signed a four-year contract with Arsenal last summer but only played 257 minutes in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard were preferred by manager Mikel Arteta.
Nelson has been linked with a move away from Arsenal since the summer transfer window opened, with West Ham United among the interested clubs.
Fabrizio Romano reports that newly-promoted Leicester City has opened talks with Arsenal over a potential loan deal for Nelson, which could include an obligation to buy if a suitable financial package is agreed upon.
Leicester hopes to leverage Nelson’s past relationship with new boss Steve Cooper, as they worked together at the England youth levels.The offer of regular first-team football is also expected to be a key factor in the negotiations.
Leicester has already signed Bobby De Cordova-Reid this summer and has been linked with Juventus’ Matias Soule, indicating their desire to strengthen their wide positions.
Signing Nelson would bring Premier League experience and help expand the club’s homegrown player quota.
Nelson debuted for Arsenal in the 2017/18 season but has played just 49 Premier League games in seven years, with loan spells at TSG Hoffenheim and Feyenoord.
His time in the Netherlands led to his reintegration into Arsenal’s first team, although most of his minutes came in the Europa League as Arteta rotated his squad during the group stage.
Nelson may not be the only forward leaving Arsenal this summer. Fellow academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe is a transfer target for Fulham, while Eddie Nketiah, who also signed a new long-term contract hoping for regular minutes, has been strongly linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Marseille.
