What does the future hold for Reiss Nelson?

What does the future hold for Reiss Nelson?

By Jonny Bray
After a successful loan spell to German side TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, many Arsenal fans felt Reiss Nelson was ready to make an impact on the first team.
The winger scored seven goals and recorded one assist in 23 appearances while playing in the Bundesliga.
He looked set to nail down a starting place at Arsenal upon returning to North London ahead of the 2019/20 season but scored just one goal in 17 Premier League appearances.
And he compounded that disappointing campaign with a poor 2020/21 season that saw him make just nine appearances in all competitions.
He scored one goal and started three times, though he did miss 12 games due to injury.
Fans hoped consistent first-team football might help Nelson realise his full potential, but it has been quite the opposite, as the English winger has failed to make a meaningful impact on Dutch side Feyenoord.

What has gone wrong at Feyenoord?

It is not that Reiss Nelson has played poorly at Feyenoord. 
His record of three goals and six assists in all competitions is not that bad, and he has also had a couple of niggling injuries to worry about during his time in Holland. 
However, fans might have expected a player of Nelson's quality to leave a more significant mark on the Eredivisie. 
And the fans are not alone there. 
Manager Arne Slot admitted that he has been concerned about Nelson's form since he joined them on loan last August.
"The talent is there, but what Reiss still struggles with is creating big chances for himself or his teammates," said Slot. 
"You see a lot of skill, speed and agility, but the final push is still missing. Then it's just not a finish or just not an assist.
"The most difficult thing in football is to get the best out of your play. And if you play for Feyenoord, where you often end up in a promising position as a winger, you expect a higher yield." 
So clearly, Nelson has the talent necessary to play at the highest level. 
However, his inability to contribute with goals and assists is beginning to be held against him. 
Furthermore, while he has been on loan, stars such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have shown how clinical they can be. 
Nelson would have had a bit more of a chance of breaking into this side upon his return were it not for the phalanx of young stars eager to break into the first team at this time. 

Conclusion

With several academy products putting their hands up for a starting spot at this moment in time, there is no reason for Arsenal to keep Reiss Nelson.
He will probably become a top Premier League player, but he is not clinical enough at this moment to start for Arsenal.
If the Gunners sell now, they could still get at least £10 million for the winger, money that could go towards a new striker or cover at full-back.
It is a shame considering he is Arsenal through and through, but it is time for Nelson to leave.
Photo Credit: Getty Images 

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