REISS NELSON has reportedly rejected a contract offer from Arsenal – opening the door for their rivals to swoop.
The 23-year-old’s deal ends at the end of the season with his future at the Emirates now uncertain.
Nelson joined the Arsenal academy when he was just nine years old
Nelson sparked scenes of jubilation in March with his late winning goal against Bournemouth
Apart from two loan spells, Nelson has spent his entire career at Arsenal but now appears to be weighing up his future.
Well-connected football journalist Fabrizio Romano reports the star has knocked back Arsenal’s attempts to sign him up to a new deal.
The transfer guru adds that negotiations are still ongoing as Arsenal look to cling on to the midfielder.
But clubs from England including Brighton and some sides from abroad are believed to be monitoring the situation closely.
Nelson will be available for free for any interested parties and at 23 still has plenty of years ahead of him.
While he has struggled for first-team football in North London, his loan moves to Hoffenheim in 2018-19 and Feyenoord last season both showed positive signs.
But he has made only eight Premier League appearances for Arsenal this season as Mikel Arteta opted for a very consistent line-up.
Within those eight outings he has got an impressive three goals and two assists, including scoring arguably the most dramatic strike of Arsenal’s entire campaign.
Reports that Brighton were set to swoop for Nelson yesterday left Arsenal fans distraught.
Nelson has made 63 appearances for the Gunners in total, scoring seven goals and grabbing seven assists.
