Hale End, Arsenal’s esteemed youth academy, has been a breeding ground for some of England’s most thrilling talents in recent years. Notable alumni include Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Alex Iwobi, and Joe Willock. However, one promising player who has failed to live up to expectations is Reiss Nelson. Having joined the club at the tender age of 7, Nelson made his debut under the guidance of Arsene Wenger at just 17, sparking high hopes for his future.
His inclusion into the first team at a slender age meant that he was expected to be the front-runner of talents making ample noise in Europe. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan for him. Injuries and competition from players stopped his development at Arsenal which lead to loan spells in Germany and the Netherlands through which he earned a reputation somewhat and agreed to playing a squad role for the club in recent years.
Nelson’s most memorable moment in Arsenal colours would be his winning goal in the 97th minute against AFC Bournemouth which had a huge impact on Arsenal’s title run in the 2022/23 season which they missed out on. He managed to impress Arteta in the run which made him sign a long-term contract till 2027, extending his stay at the club to 15 years.
Although his performances to do the talking when called upon as a substitute, he’s played only 41 matches since the 2022 season in all competitions, starting only 10 out of those
Reiss Nelson has been a super clutch player for Arsenal in recent years. His spicy close control and directness on the ball make him a real threat. Often tucking in on the LW/RW, he acts as a creative winger that takes on defenders with his smooth dribbling skills and speedy legs.
With Arsenal approaching its peak in terms of squad building, it’s expected that the longest serving Gunner might have to assess his options. A lot of European sides and also a couple of Premier League clubs keeping tabs on his moves this window and it seems likely that he would leave Arsenal.
In this post, we’ll try to dissect Reiss Nelson’s profile and try to decode what he brings to the table and how he could impact the clubs that are keeping a tab on him if he is to leave Arsenal this summer.
Firstly, let’s look at his player profile:
Reiss Nelson – Player Profile
Age: 24
Club: Arsenal
Position: LW/RW
Foot: Right
Nationality: English
Value: €16M
Height: 5’9
Avg SofaScore rating: 6.85
Strengths: Dribbling, Close Control, Spatial Awareness, Speed, Composure
Weaknesses: Aerial Duels, Temperament, Weak Foot usage
Strengths
Reiss Nelson is a skilful winger that aims to make the most of every touch he has on the ball. His ability to play wide in isolation helps him go directly at defenders keeping them on the back foot. He then can shift them to his preferred angles whilst then he can line up his next move – may it be a pass or cut in and shoot
A no-nonsense approach speaks of his nuance technique by explosively crafting his dribbles. Stepovers, body feints, flicks are quite common in his game that helps him outfox opponents and find different ways in progressing or even winning fouls. Makes stop-and-start movements and utilises his pace while doing so
He provides the team with tactical flexibility on either flank – LW likes to play wider whilst drifting inwards on playing as an RW. This subtle difference can be drastically felt on both wings where he prefers taking on players on one side whilst making combinations on the other.
Taking minimal touches as a winger and creating an attack out of it is the best possible move for a winger and Reiss has specialised that. An intent-worthy player that loves taking on players and indulging himself in risking situations that test out his decision making skills and instinctual movements near the box to make an impact.
You can’t afford to give him space as he’s always decisive in taking his chances. Intelligent movements behind the back of defenders, uncanny runs into the channel and his ability to use a defender as an object to find the right curl onto shot make him a special player.
His use of space is quite exquisite, press resistant and composed with his back to goal. Whilst drifting inwards, he opens up the spaces on the wide channels allowing the fullback make overlapping runs leaving the wider flanks unoccupied. Strong in making separation movements and also changing the point of attack (Picture)
Playing as a wide creator, he constantly scans for OTB movements. He explores his creative side by playing in quick through balls BTLs or making quick exchanges in order to exploit the pockets of spaces. Instead of always decrypting defences himself, he looks to make combinations in order to drive forward.
Nelson’s agile body statue and COG helps him make half turns and quickly change directions with his speed. A difficult winger to contain as a defender as he’s super athletic in 1v1 duels and covering ground. Albeit not the most physical profile, he knows his way through with the experience he has.
One underrated aspect of his game is his crossing ability which highly reaps him rewards in terms of assists. After beating his marker, he often tries to lob the ball into the box in order find a runner to pounce on the ball. He shifts his body in accurate methods whilst delivering tasty crosses with both feet.
Nelson’s flair in terms of dribbling is impressive to watch when he’s at his best. Fancy footwork with silky movements that help him execute his best game. Might get too overwhelmed with the ball at his feet but he fairly outweighs the negatives with his positives.
Nelson possesses a threat on the transition where he can broadcast his blistering pace and quickly cover ground and provide depth in a counter-attacking situation. Calmly disposed of the ball in the right areas, assessing the right option by holding onto the ball if needed.
Reiss Nelson has been a quick learner throughout his career, shifting to different dynamics and proving how he’s an opportunistic player. He boasts his qualities as a winger through his technically savvy adaptive skills that help him fit into different systems of play
Could’ve been utilised a lot more last season when Martinelli failed to deliver in isolation. Nelson being a 1v1 specialist out wide who has the ability to create from isolated spaces could’ve been trusted a lot more. Squad building and a balance in profiles might’ve made Arteta go with his usual setup and not risk it
Where would he fit in?
Reiss Nelson has informed Arsenal that he wants to assess his options for a potential transfer this summer. The club would be looking for about £20m including add-ons if they are to let him leave, with Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest & West Ham among the teams… pic.twitter.com/wIGoqHst64
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) June 14, 2024
With the club looking for £20-25M this summer in order to make sales out of him, a move in the PL is one of the most expected routes for Reiss Nelson, not writing off the interest some European clubs have shown. Clubs like Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham, Fulham have been constantly linked to the Gunner this window
Crystal Palace
Life under Glasner has been offensively great for the Eagles as they’ve scored a lot of goals and also gotten some memorable results in the short spell. With Olise and Eze speculated to leave this summer, rebuilding with Reiss would be a great alternative. With the right PL experience, versatility to play on both wings and technical aspects – Crystal Palace looks like a great option.
Brighton
Nelson could be highly rated in Brighton’s system next season. A side which prioritises its wingers in terms of progression and with a new manager in charge, it’s a sustainable environment to invest your stocks in. Reiss Nelson could be a valuable asset fighting for a starters role vs the talented Mitoma and Adingra. With Ansu Fati returning back from his loan spell, Nelson could take up his spot and prove his worth. His ability to cut in or also stay in the wider channels as a winger can be highly appreciated in the Brighton side.
Fulham
Nelson’s ability to tuck into either wing and create goal scoring opportunities, aiding the likes of Muniz and Jiminez with crosses might be an influential route to goal. With Willian’s deal expiring and Traore’s future uncertain, Nelson could bring some stability on the flanks
West Ham
With Julien Lopetegui being the new man in charge of the Hammers for the upcoming season and Reiss Nelson could love life under him. The Spanish boss likes to work with the ball and between the lines with central players (two eights) operating in half-spaces while the striker complements between dropping back and being an impending presence upfront. These could force teams to go more compact against the Hammers and provide Reiss the space to operate into space in-behind on the flanks.
The Arsenal academy graduate will not only use his dribbling ability to create central space but also to contribute to the output in a variety of ways, including key passes and scoring opportunities for his teammates. Lopetegui likes one of his winger on crossing duties while he gives lock and keys to explore 1v1 situations for the another, Reiss could fit into the latter under the former Madrid manager.
Nelson’s current gimmick at Arsenal is unsustainable for himself as a player, limiting his talents with the minutes he gets to play. A system that’ll focus on his personal growth whilst being surrounded in the right environment of young players that’ll boost his confidence personally will be massive for him to revive his pedigree.
Conclusion
It’s no doubt that Reiss Nelson is a genuinely class player to have in your side, maybe more minutes/starts in the Premier League would’ve made people rate him highly if they still don’t see the light. Pre dominantly had his share of minutes off the bench but now is the right time to prove himself as a starter
At this given time the best move for both sides is to let go of the player for development purposes and get some transfer value that has been declining due to less playing time. A reason according to me for his exit should be the lack of trust been put in by the manager. Lesser opportunities been given maybe due to Arteta thinking of him not being at the same level to be a part of the squad.