Arsenal: Reiss Nelson contract as big a win as Mesut Ozil

Arsenal are nearing a massive, massive breakthrough in the Reiss Nelson contract saga and, if this proves to be fact, it is just as big as Mesut Ozil’s contract.

Arsenal are doing a bang up job distracting from the disappointments of this Premier League season by use of their endless contract sagas. I foolishly well into all the hype of the Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil contract sagas, with a side dish of Jack Wilshere‘s, that I fell into the trap of forgetting – far too often – about the sagas of Aaron Ramsey and Reiss Nelson.

All five players represented something completely different. With Alexis and Ozil, they represented the ability to not just attract superstars, but maintain them, which has proven to be a massive problem with them.

No superstar that they have signed has yet proven to want to remain – except for Mesut Ozil. His contract was a massive step forward for the Gunners, perhaps the biggest victory since their FA Cup win over Hull City.

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For Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, extending them is proving that not everything they built from the earlier days ended up fruitless. That they could develop players and hold on to them as well another problem they have been having problems with – see Samir Nasri or Cesc Fabregas.

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Reiss Nelson was something different. Reiss Nelson represented Arsenal’s present ability to develop young players, which has also been massively called into question in recent days. Very few players have been able to work their way into the first team picture. Hector Bellerin, yes. Alex Iwobi has struggled for consistency. It’s been a rough go for the youth system.

And players like Marcus McGuane, who seemed to be the exact type of player that we needed, bugger off to Barcelona because they see a better opportunity there. He’s already making inroads with Barcelona too, and speaking out about his blocked path at Arsenal. Surely his former mates in the academy are aware of his thoughts.

Reiss Nelson was one such mate who was already getting frustrated by his lack of opportunities with the first team. The risk of him leaving was immense, and it was very realistic. With so many likely incoming transfers this summer, it seemed too possible.

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Nothing is set yet. The deal isn’t done. But it’s being reported on numerous reputable sites including Sky Sports and for the time being, that is certainly good enough for me, and another obstacle that will be wonderful to overcome.