Arteta told former Arsenal star who wants to return would be ‘upgrade’ on Reiss Nelson

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Journalist Charles Watts believes that one former Arsenal star could represent a useful upgrade on Reiss Nelson this summer.

Reiss Nelson may well be coming towards the end of his time at Arsenal.

Although the winger was only handed a new contract last summer, Mikel Arteta clearly lacks faith in the Hale End academy graduate. The 24-year-old has managed 14 Premier League outings so far this season, but none of those have come as starts, and he is yet to register a single goal or assist in the competition.

Arteta only seems willing to deploy Nelson in domestic cup competitions or when he feels he can afford to rest Bukayo Saka late on in matches. In truth, though, a player is needed at the Emirates Stadium who can provide far more competition, and higher quality cover, for Saka. 

Arsenal are willing to let Nelson leave the club in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Gunners will then surely look to invest in another winger.

Who should replace Reiss Nelson at Arsenal?

One name that will be familiar to Arsenal fans is Donyell Malen. Between 2015 and 2017, he was part of the Gunners’ youth setup, before being moved on to PSV Eindhoven without ever having made a senior first-team appearance for the north London outfit. 

The 25-year-old Dutchman is currently plying his trade, and regularly impressing, for German club Borussia Dortmund. He has racked up 11 goals and 3 assists in 23 Bundesliga appearances this season.

The 28-cap Netherlands international has bags of pace, flair, and ban operate comfortably on either flank, meaning he could provide cover for both Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. As a right-footer, though, he may struggle to replicate the England star’s tactical function in this Arsenal side, as Saka typically cuts inside from the right wing onto his stronger left foot, which creates space for Ben White to provide an overlapping run from right-back.

Charles Watts has now had his say on if Arsenal should consider bringing Malen back to the club. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said, “he’s talked very openly about wanting to come back to Arsenal if he does come back to the Premier League…He wouldn’t be at the top of my list, I have to say, from what I’ve seen of him, but he’s certainly an interesting player who can fill those positions…As much as I like Reiss Nelson, I think he would certainly be an upgrade.”

Should Donyell Malen be the winger that Arsenal prioritise this summer?

Malen is a talented player, but there may well be even better options on the market this summer. Wolves ace Pedro Neto has been described as the “perfect” potential foil for Saka. However, Arsenal have been warned off of a move for Neto due to his recurrent injury concerns.

Arteta is also said to be an admirer of Nico Williams, who is currently shining for Athletic Bilbao. The La Liga gem may well have a higher ceiling than Malen.