2T074W6 King Power Stadium, Leicester, UK. 4th Oct, 2023. EFL Championship Football, Leicester City versus Preston North End; Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester celebrates with his team after scoring the third Leicester goal to make the score 3-0 Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News
Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Leicester City, a recently promoted Premier League team, has begun negotiations to recruit attacker Reiss Nelson from Arsenal. The Foxes appear to be the front-runners to sign the 24-year-old, who has previously told the Gunners that he wants to depart this season.
Nelson is being pursued by Leicester on a first-look loan with a buyout clause. Romano hasn’t disclosed many specifics, but it’s anticipated that the purchase obligation will depend on a number of factors, such appearances or goals scored. Should Leicester wish to make the transfer permanent following the loan period, Arsenal is expected to demand a fee of £15–20 million.
Nelson has already worked with Leicester, and the club is confident that he will join after Steve Cooper was recently appointed manager. Nelson’s relocation to the King Power Stadium may be aided by this pre-existing friendship.
Nelson can play at the front of the line but prefers to play as a winger. His quickness and deft dribbling skills make him a formidable foe for any fullback. The 24-year-old is still waiting for his first senior international call-up, despite having played for England at several junior levels. Nelson, an academy graduate of Arsenal, has experienced loan stints at Feyenoord and TSG Hoffenheim, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess when given consistent playing time.
Nelson wanted a move away from the Premier League after failing to start a single game in 2022–2023. Arsenal turned down offers for him, preferring to keep him because of the numerous contests they were involved in. Nelson has only made five starts this season in all competitions, including one in the Premier League, so his playing time hasn’t increased significantly.
Mikel Arteta has made it clear that Nelson is not in his plans, thus it makes the most sense for the North London team to transfer him this summer. Instead of pursuing a loan agreement for the Englishman, Arsenal is probably going to try to arrange a permanent move, although it will be difficult considering Leicester’s possible relegation fight this season. Nelson’s departure would give Arsenal “pure profit” because he is a homegrown player and would give him the consistent playing time he desires.
