Mikel Arteta’s ‘massive’ prediction about Reiss Nelson hinges on two things with Arsenal transfer decision

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Arsenal are open to a number of departures from their squad this summer.

Arsenal released twenty players from their contracts at the beginning of June with Kieran Tierney and Jorginho among those to depart.

Thomas Partey has left Arsenal after failing to agree terms on a new deal at the Emirates Stadium and Andrea Berta has quickly replaced him with the club set to capture Christian Norgaard.

Reiss Nelson has attracted Premier League interest this summer but Mikel Arteta’s comments on the winger back in 2023 suggests he can still fight for his future at the Gunners.

READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus reveals fresh injury update with Arsenal message amid latest return hopes

Mikel Arteta predicted that Reiss Nelson would go to ‘different levels’ at Arsenal

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website upon signing his contract back in 2023, Nelson revealed that he had the full backing of his manager.

Nelson stated: “I feel like the boss has always been honest with me. For the last years he’s been honest. When it’s time that he felt that maybe I could’ve done better, when I’ve done good, maybe next time I had to go on loan.

But of course, when I came back from loan, he had the conversation with me that he wanted to extend my contract. He’s seen a massive change in me and it was like I’m at the next level and he feels like there’s so many more different levels I can go to.”

Bournemouth are interested in Nelson and after having spent a season-long loan spell at Craven Cottage, Fulham are also tracking the winger.

Arsenal are open to selling Nelson but the 25-year-old is still recovering from hamstring surgery and will be determined to show Arteta that he was not wrong with his prediction.

Reiss Nelson’s Arsenal future hinges on recruitment

If Nelson is to have a future in North London, he has to hit the ground running in pre-season upon return from his injury lay-off.

Arsenal travel to Asia as part of their preparations for the new season and Nelson will be aiming to make an impact during games against the likes of AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur.

His future will also depend on the Gunners’ pursuit of a new winger, Eberechi Eze enquiries have been made and Arsenal are also tracking Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Should both targets prove out of reach for Berta, the Hale End graduate may find himself presented with an opportunity to force himself back into the plans of Arteta.