Latest Reiss Nelson transfer update is good news for Arsenal despite clear Mikel Arteta stance

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Arsenal are expecting further sales to go through before the summer transfer window closes on Friday night.

Arsenal have not seen many major permanent exits so far this summer, with only Emile Smith Rowe really falling into that category. 

However, more may well follow him out of the Emirates Stadium this week. Four Arsenal players could leave before transfer deadline day passes.

Eddie Nketiah seems closest to departing, with Crystal Palace having launched a bid for the striker. However, there are also question marks over the futures of Aaron Ramsdale, Jakub Kiwior, and Reiss Nelson.

Arsenal have Joan Garcia targeted to replace Ramsdale. Meanwhile, following the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori, Kiwior is seemingly surplus to requirements.

However, a different decision now looks to have been made when it comes to Nelson.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s most expensive transfer sales of all time

Why Arsenal can’t sell Reiss Nelson now

According to The Athletic: “Nelson has spent the summer exploring a move away, but with Vieira being allowed to leave on loan, there’s now a significant chance he could stay.”

At this stage, the winger’s exit would weaken the Gunners. 

With Smith Rowe already gone, and Fabio Vieira about to re-join Porto on loan, Mikel Arteta can’t afford to thin out his attacking contingent any further. 

Even if the Gunners have a new addition lined up, and Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign a forward, they still need Nelson to provide depth. 

This is especially true when considering that both Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have proven themselves to be susceptible to injuries in recent years.

Arteta will demand that his side compete for silverware on all fronts this season, and that will mean that his team have a gruelling schedule to contend with. At some stage, everyone in the squad will be needed. 

Although Nelson has had limited opportunities in recent years, and was only handed one Premier League start last season, he will get his chance to shine this time around if he remains in North London.

Will Arsenal regret selling Eddie Nketiah?

The above argument for keeping Nelson can also be made in the case of Nketiah. Whilst Leandro Trossard can also lead the line if required, he is more comfortable on the left flank.

If Jesus does succumb to injury this season, with Nketiah gone that would only really leave Kai Havertz as a preferred option to lead the line.

As with Nelson, Arteta’s stance on Nketiah is clear, the manager’s reluctance to use him proves that he does not feature heavily in his plans. However, Arteta’s plans need to be adaptable, and he needs the resources available to be able to change his plans when unexpected setbacks inevitably occur.

Nelson and Nketiah provide those alternatives.