Arsenal stunned by winger's U-turn amid AC Milan interest

Stuart Telford

• 6 Jun 2023 19:30 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is set to sign a new four-year deal with the club despite having his head turned by AC Milan in recent weeks.

That's according to Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who says that despite concrete interest in the winger, who is out of contract in June, Nelson is set to sign a new deal at the Emirates keeping him at the club until 2027.

"Understand Arsenal new proposal to Reiss Nelson is long term deal valid for the next four years [June 2027] plus option for further season. Up to the player. English, Italian and French clubs have approached Nelson over potential free move," he tweeted on 23 May before following up with the following on Tuesday:

"Four year deal, option for further season and agreement very close. Reiss Nelson and Arsenal [only a matter of time]."

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Nelson's competition at Arsenal

It is something of a surprising development for Arsenal, with Nelson having fallen behind Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and latterly Leandro Trossard in the pecking order of wingers at the Emirates.

The clubs continued interest in Barcelona wide man Raphinha appeared to be the death knell in Nelson's career at the club, but Mikel Arteta has persuaded him that he will be a key part of his plans as of next season.

Nelson scored a 97th-minute winner as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 in March, but he has been restricted to just 201 minutes in the Premier League this season, with all 11 of his appearances coming off the bench.

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Of the aforementioned Italian interest, Milan were the furthest ahead in negotiations with Nelson, although with Rafa Leao now having extended his stay at the San Siro until 2028, the pressure on signing a new winger had dissipated in recent weeks.

Nelson is valued at just €4.2 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm - a number that will see a significant hike once his new deal is signed.