Arsenal face key Reiss Nelson transfer decision

Crystal Palace Want to Sign Reiss Nelson on Loan Transfer

As per James Benge, Crystal Palace, who have been mentioned fleetingly throughout the ongoing talk of Nelson’s future, are interested in signing him this summer and are said to be ‘leading the race’.

Nothing like an Arsenal legend to swoop in and aid the cause, eh?

Oh. What’s that? Only on loan? Ah. Hmm.

Yes. The sticking point is that Patrick Vieira’s side would prefer to bring in the 21-year-old on a loan deal as they want to get a feel for him within the squad and to analyse his ability in the flesh before making a financial commitment.

The eagle-eyed few will note that Nelson only has one year left on his deal which, unfortunately, is somewhat troublesome when a club wants to sign a player for 12 months only.

In order to facilitate this move then the winger will have to agree to the contract extension Arsenal have offered him. Given how swiftly Nketiah turned down his deal and how Nelson has been mulling over his for over a month now, there may be room for Arsenal to get their wish.

This is the key element of this move as if the idea of moving to Selhurst Park is enticing enough then the method of doing so can be easily achieved. Likewise, Nelson has a transfer decision to make as he may want to seek long-term club security over another temporary deal. Say no and it looks like a move abroad is his most likely outcome.

Handing out the deal in the first place signals that the club are aware they won’t receive a fee deemed acceptable for them to part with the forward, therefore a move to a Premier League side for a whole season has the potential to boost his valuation closer to what is felt adequate for his signature.

How much is too little? Palace ‘prefer’ a loan but given they’re ahead of the queue that could imply there is negotiating to be had. Whatever Nelson is sold for, if indeed he is, won’t be anything to set the pulses racing so if £10m (perhaps pushing it) comes in then it’s an offer that would be hard to turn down.