Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal had made an offer to Reiss Nelson over a four-year contract with an option to extend for a fifth year.
But even at the time, there were some suggestions that the winger may have already rejected the offer.
Then, on Tuesday night, Dharmesh Sheth reported that Arsenal had held talks with Nelson over a short-term deal, believed to be for just one year.
Sheth adds that nothing has been signed yet, but if true, the new offer would represent a significant change in tactics from the Gunners.
You can see some sense in the offer. If Nelson was refusing to commit for the long term, perhaps Arsenal believe they can convince him to at least stay for one more year.
From Nelson’s end, one of the primary concerns about extending has been his game time. He’s made just 17 appearances for Arsenal this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists.
His opportunities to start have been even more limited, featuring in the starting lineup on just five occasions, none of which were in the Premier League.
If Arsenal are now making promises about Nelson’s minutes that he isn’t sure he can trust, a one-year deal would give the club the chance to prove he’ll be involved without making him commit for the next half a decade.
If Nelson won’t extend, he has English, Italian, and French clubs approaching him over a free transfer move.
The Italian club interested is reportedly AC Milan, with Brighton among the clubs after him from England, and Ligue 1 club Nice also mentioned as a possible destination.
A couple of injuries kept Nelson on the sidelines for more than three months this season. But even when he’s been available, he hasn’t been the first-choice pick ahead of Gabriel Martinelli.
All the same, the 23-year-old has put in some strong performances when called upon, so perhaps Arteta genuinely intends to get him involved more often next season.
