Leicester City has initiated discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential loan deal for striker Reiss Nelson this summer, according to recent reports.
Nelson, 24, made 14 substitute appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League last season but did not record any goals or assists. His sole start came in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Luton in April.
In the past two years, Nelson has started only 10 matches for his boyhood club. He previously had loan stints in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim in the 2018-19 season and a year with Feyenoord two seasons ago.
According to The Sun, the England Under-21 international is now poised for a third temporary move, this time to newly-promoted Leicester City. The deal is expected to include an obligation to buy.
Nelson is on the verge of reuniting with his former England youth team manager Steve Cooper at Leicester. Cooper, who managed Nelson at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels, was appointed Leicester’s boss in June after signing a three-year contract. He had been unemployed since being dismissed by Nottingham Forest last December following a series of poor results.
This move could be part of a larger trend, as Arsenal might see several homegrown players depart this summer. Emile Smith-Rowe is also expected to leave, with Fulham’s £30 million bid for him recently rejected. According to Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace is now preparing to make an offer for the 23-year-old midfielder.
