Crucial Arsenal transfer hinges on Chelsea & Liverpool decision - Romano

Tom Weber

Updated: 18 Mar 2024 16:16 GMT
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Reiss Nelson is being eyed by Brighton, but a move will hinge on Robert de Zerbi's future, according to Fabrizio Romano.

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The Arsenal homegrown appears to be on his way out at last. Already linked with an exit in the summer, Nelson somewhat surprisingly decided to sign a new long-term contract at the Emirates, keeping him - in theory - at the club until 2027.

However, the 24-year-old will not see out the rest of his contract. As FootballTransfers exclusively revealed on Sunday, the versatile attacker has been earmarked as one of three Hale End graduates to be sold in the upcoming transfer window in a bid to generate pure profit and help the Gunners alleviate any Financial Fair Play concerns.

Nelson has barely featured for the north London side since breaking into the first team in 2017/18, having never managed to even hit the 1000-minute mark in a Premier League season. This term, his tally stands at just 180 minutes spread across 14 cameo appearances. Nelson has played almost as many minutes (174) in five Champions League appearances this season.

Brighton keen, but...

It's clear that Nelson's Arsenal career is over. In truth, it never really started. According to Fabrizio Romano, Brighton are one of the sides who hold an interest in the 24-year-old, having already eyed him prior to his contract extension.

The Italian transfer expert, however, insists that a deal will ultimately hinge on the future of coach Roberto de Zerbi, who is being linked with Liverpool and Chelsea, should they decide to sack Mauricio Pochettino.

“Having struggled for playing time at Arsenal this season, Reiss Nelson is again being linked with a possible move away,” Romano told CaughtOffside.“Brighton appreciate the player, they already wanted him last summer when he decided to sign a new deal at Arsenal after talks."

"But in order to decide about top targets, it will be crucial to understand Roberto De Zerbi’s future, so let’s see if he ends up leaving for another job, and, if so, who will replace him.”