Reiss Nelson’s Arsenal Future Dwindles

Reiss Nelson has fallen by the wayside at Arsenal.

Having secured back-to-back victories in the Premier League for the first time since the opening two matchdays, positives are now coming to the fore at Arsenal and previous grumblings temporarily cast aside.

When Arsenal clinch three points, everything is rosy. Arsenal are winning three points without Reiss Nelson. Is that all rosy?

At the height of the Gunners’ struggles, Nelson was considered one of few players who could add attacking impetus into the forward line; someone who could provide an actual goal threat.

Impressive displays in the Europa League prompted such calls, of course coming with the caveat of the quality of opposition. Skillful on the ball and aggressive off it, it was a case of when, not if, Nelson would get a run in the Premier League side.

A minor knock in training prevented him from getting his chance when the calls for his inclusion heightened, but having since recovered from that, he’s been nowhere to be seen. That was nearly a month ago.

Had results not been forthcoming, there is no doubting the same supporters would have been baying for blood from the rooftops. Seeing off Chelsea and grinding out victory over Brighton ensures no such calls are being made, yet that doesn’t answer the question: where is he?

The 21-year-old isn’t injured. That much we know. What don’t we know, though?

Mikel Arteta’s Call

It can only be tactical. When the training pictures are uploaded he’s always involved, while no updates from the club banish doubts that he may not be fit.

Watching him improve physically this season was one of the most reassuring indicators that he was primed for top-flight football. A lot tougher to knock off the ball and quicker off the mark with his pace, a good run of games seemed to be all that was holding him back from usurping one of either Nicolas Pepe or Willian in the starting lineup.

With Willian sitting out the last three matches – the most recent two due to illness – Nelson was in a position to wrestle his way into Mikel Arteta’s thoughts.

How telling, then, that even without the 32-year-old involved Nelson still can’t make a matchday squad – this also being a matchday squad that now has two more players in it than it did but a few weeks ago.

Gabriel Martinelli has immediately assumed Willian’s place in the side now the 19-year-old has returned from injury, leaving Nelson’s road back not just perilous, but gone gone entirely.

For now, at least.

Willian will recover and take the place he looks unlikely to ever relinquish, with it genuinely more likely that Pepe will drop out entirely as opposed to Nelson earning a spot. So, what next?

Reiss Nelson’s Future

It was heavily discussed before the season kicked off that Nelson could be set for a loan move away from Arsenal. Seeing glimpses of his ability throughout his time in north London, none of those ‘stand up and take notice’ moments have been anything more than short-lived.

Not a slight on him, it’s simply because he hasn’t been given the opportunity to exude his talents on a regular basis. Whether that is down to not reaching the standard in training or merely based on his overall quality in the eyes of the manager, no such spell has been forthcoming.

As Arsenal prepare for the January window to open, their needs are clear in both departments: ship out and bring in.

How much they can achieve during that period will rest on the smooth tones of Edu Gaspar, who knows reducing the overall squad size is imperative for any potential incomings. It’s already bloated as is, so adding the desired centre-back and creative midfielder will need its precursor.

With that in mind a loan move elsewhere for Nelson appears more likely than ever. However, so too does a permanent departure. Contracted until 2023, his age bracket and unquestionable ability will no doubt garner considerable interest in Europe, while being English will make him an even more alluring prospect to Premier League sides.

Including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal have six wide players to choose from and at this moment in time it’s Nelson who is bottom of the pile in Arteta’s eyes. You can’t help but feel if an acceptable offer came in it wouldn’t be mulled over too lengthily.