Arsenal: Reiss Nelson career at a crossroads after January snub

Arsenal had one of the busiest transfer windows in Europe in January, moving on no less than eight players either permanently or on temporary deals. Reiss Nelson, however, remained in north London.

Seeing Hale End stars Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles sent off on six-month loan moves to Newcastle and West Brom respectively, the sentiment was understandable as neither player was earning meaningful playing time this season.

The Magpies desperately needed a box-to-box midfielder to provide energy in the middle of the park, while West Brom were in demand for just about anything they could get their hands on to halt their slippery slide towards relegation.

With Mikel Arteta settling on his preferred starting lineup, any minutes accrued for the duo would come as a result of injuries to fellow players or, at best, late run outs in the dying embers of matches. Regular playing time elsewhere, albeit at clubs with vastly different styles, trumps the occasional cameo appearance at Arsenal.

Arsenal not loaning out Reiss Nelson puts the Hale End star’s career at a crossroads

So, what about Reiss Nelson then?

Earning the bulk of his nine appearances in the Europa League this campaign, Nelson has only made two Premier League squads, accruing 70 minutes of action in matches against Leeds and Wolves. With Gabriel Martinelli back from injury and others finding form, the seemingly impossible task of being pushed even further down the pecking order has occurred.

It was widely reported that he was free to move on loan this window for the same reasons as his two academy teammates. Nothing materialised. Without Carabao Cup or FA Cup competitions left, and with the Europa League knockouts to come, his time with the senior side has come to an end this season.

Where Does Reiss Nelson Go From Here?

There were interested parties in Nelson over the winter, namely from Bundesliga sides. Having seen what he can produce in the division from his time at Hoffenheim when on-song, it’s little surprise.

That spell, while producing six goals and an assist across a seven-game run, turned sour in the second half of the season as concerns over his attitude emerged. There were disciplinary issues that resulted in him being either consigned to making an impact off the bench or being exempt from the squad entirely.

While inexcusable, being abroad at 18 clearly had an impact. History will then have played a part in Arsenal not wanting to loan him back out to Germany despite the flurry of interest. Thus, a move in England seemed the best fit. Yet once again, having reviewed the options that came almost solely from the Championship, it was felt he was better off staying in north London.

It’s hard to shirk the feeling that this was a missed opportunity. With suitors willing to grant him regular playing time, even if it is in the second tier or abroad, surely those options are more beneficial than playing for the Under-23 side as is to be expected.

The situation leaves Nelson’s career at a crossroads. With 47 Arsenal appearances to his name and impressing in the Europa League having just turned 21, this season is now essentially a write-off. A waste, in truth.

Nobody benefits from the way the campaign has panned out and the only reason behind that must be put down to Arteta’s lack of faith in the forward, whether that’s down to his attitude or merely not favouring his profile for the team.

Come the summer Nelson will have two years remaining on his deal, and with speculation linking Arsenal to a host of forward options this summer, his days appear numbered. If a summer sale is being eyed, then not allowing him to leave damages whatever value the Gunners had in mind.

Nelson clearly has talent, something he’s proved in Europe this term. Not being able to demonstrate that limits his options in the summer and reduces whatever hopes there were of an Arsenal comeback.

In a window to remember, Nelson now risks being forgotten.