‘Not advanced’ - Romano provides update on Arsenal star’s future

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 11 Feb 2023 10:41 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson’s future at the club remains in the balance, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 23-year-old is into the last months of his contract at the Emirates Stadium and will become a free agent in the summer if no new deal is agreed.

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After a successful loan at Feyenoord last term, injury problems have hit Nelson’s 2022/23 campaign back at Arsenal. Prior to the World Cup break, he had shown glimpses of his potential but picked up an injury against Juventus in a December friendly and is only now closing in on action again.

The problem could scarcely have been worse timed for the academy product, as it has denied him the chance to impress Mikel Arteta at a key point in his contract negotiations, although there is still a sense that he could prove a key weapon for the Gunners in the second half of the season after they missed out on Mykhailo Mudryk in January.

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Nelson's Arsenal future in the balance

Romano has provided an update on where Nelson’s contract negotiations presently lie as he gears up to make a return to action after two months on the sidelines.

“Reiss Nelson’s future is still not decided as talks over a new deal with Arsenal are not advanced at this stage,” the Italian stated on Twitter. “His contract expires in June with many clubs interested.

“I understand Nelson would be happy to stay but there are no concrete negotiations yet – it’s up to Arsenal.”

Arsenal’s decision will take into account what they plan to do in the summer transfer window. After missing out on Mudryk, they will likely seek to strengthen the wide areas of their attack as a priority, while they must also make a decision on the future of Folarin Balogun, who has been linked with Milan.

If Nelson is to secure a long-term future at Arsenal, he will have to return in stellar form.