Arsenal star sends Mikel Arteta transfer ultimatum as £20m asking price set

Reiss Nelson has told Arsenal he would like to assess his options for a potential summer transfer after struggling for regular game time during the 2023/24 season.

Nelson, 24, signed a new four-year contract - with an option of a fifth - last July after Mikel Arteta convinced him to commit his long-term future to the Gunners. That was despite him making just 18 appearances in 2022/23, though Nelson did contribute with some vital goals - none more so than his winner against Bournemouth.

And last season was more the same for Nelson, who started just one game in the Premier League. He was a back up option to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli out wide and had his opportunities limited. He scored once in all competitions, coming in a Carabao Cup win at Brentford.

Now, according to The Athletic, Nelson has informed Arsenal that he is assessing whether he would like to stay this summer. The Gunners rejected approaches in January and would want around £20million including all-ons if they decided to sell him. Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham are said to be among his potential suitors should he leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Speaking earlier this year, Nelson admitted he was determined to force his way into the Arsenal starting XI after signing that bumper new contract. "I have said this before, but Arsenal is my club since I was eight years old," he said. "Of course, I want to be playing much more than I am right now.

"It's good to be coming off the bench, but I want to be starting. I feel like I am proving myself every day in training, so with this momentum I want to go on and keep playing more.

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"I signed my contract, I am here now and I have just got to prove to the boss that I deserve more minutes. Like I said, when I get chances to play I can prove myself and show everyone what I can do."

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League behind Manchester City last season and are expected to do some business in order to improve their squad. A new centre forward and central midfielder are among the areas Edu and Arteta could target ahead of the new season.