Mikel Arteta is always coy when it comes to transfers, but one of his decisions against Newcastle United said a lot without any words being spoken.
Arsenal are on a transfer high right now after the unveiling of blockbuster striker Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede was present at the Singapore National Stadium as Arsenal beat Newcastle United 3-2 thanks to goals from Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and an Alex Murphy own goal.
It’s on to Hong Kong for the Arsenal squad as the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Asia continues, but it’s unclear whether one player will be present for the final leg.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta just revealed the chances of Viktor Gyokeres making his Arsenal debut vs Tottenham
Mikel Arteta handed no minutes to Reiss Nelson vs Newcastle
Six players have joined Arsenal since the start of the summer window, with Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera being the latest.
The pair are set to join up with the squad for training in the coming days, as Noni Madueke is still at home as he enjoys an extended break.
Though the incomings are positive, it’s becoming clearer that an outgoing could happen very soon.
Reiss Nelson is wanted by Fulham, and after featuring against AC Milan, Arteta didn’t call the Englishman into action against Newcastle.
The Arsenal manager made as many as 11 changes during the friendly, but Nelson wasn’t one of them, being one of six players who didn’t make it onto the pitch.
When looking at the others who were left on the bench, it doesn’t seem like a tactical decision from Arteta to not field Nelson.
There were four academy players left on the bench, two of whom were goalkeepers, with the only other senior player being Albert Sambi Lokonga, who is expected to leave.
As transfer links between Nelson and Fulham gather pace, all eyes will be on whether the 25-year-old follows the squad to Hong Kong.
Arsenal have to cash in on Nelson
Thierry Henry had high hopes for Nelson after working with the winger at Hale End, but sometimes, things just don’t work out.
Last summer, Arsenal let go of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe, who, despite enjoying impressive rises at the Emirates, had no place in the first team.
The same could be the case for Nelson, who needs regular game time after suffering a spell of frustrating injuries.
For Arsenal and Nelson, the time is undoubtedly now to move on, as for the club, the player’s market value will only drop with inconsistent game time.
The interest is there in Nelson, giving the Gunners an additional incentive to cash in on what will be a deal that will present a pure profit.
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