7 – Reiss Nelson
It feels like I’ve been talking about Reiss Nelson for a long time, and that’s probably because the guys has been on the radar since 2015.
Constantly the name I go to in the pub as ‘Arsenal’s next big thing’, we’re still waiting on that huge moment of magic from the 22-year-old.
At such a young age we can forgive Nelson for not breaking into the starting XI at his first attempt, but seeing the progression of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe begins to make you question what is next for the winger.
Nelson spent last season on loan with Feyenoord and managed just two goals and four assists in 21 appearances as he helped his side reach the Europa Conference League final.
A good addition to the Dutch side but not enough to make any sort of formal offer, Nelson is now back with the squad and will be questioning what needs to happen next.
There’s been virtually no rumours surrounding the Englishman, who has a contract until 2023 and could look to run it down by heading out on yet another loan.
With Arsenal in the market for a right sided forward, Arteta may well have already had a conversation with Nelson who hasn’t made a competitive start for Arsenal since December 2020 when Arsenal ran out as 4-1 winners over Rapid Vienna.
This could become a straight shootout between Nelson and Nicolas Pepe as to who gets the squad rotation spot behind Saka, but with Pepe’s hefty wages it could be easier said than done to shift him this summer.