Crystal Palace have officially begun negotiations with Arsenal to potentially acquire winger Reiss Nelson before the summer transfer window closes, according to reports from The Sun. The 25-year-old Nelson is widely expected to depart from the Emirates in search of consistent first-team opportunities.
Earlier in the window, Fulham had expressed interest in securing Nelson's services, but they were reportedly hesitant to commit to a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause. This hesitance has seemingly opened the door for Crystal Palace to make their move.
Reports suggest that Crystal Palace are prepared to offer around £15 million to secure the winger's signature before the transfer window slams shut. The Eagles have already bolstered their attacking options with the acquisition of Yeremy Pino from Villarreal for £20 million. Now, they are focusing on finalizing personal terms with Nelson to facilitate a swift transfer.
Reiss Nelson, a graduate of Arsenal's Hale End academy, has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Mikel Arteta. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and scoring crucial goals, consistent playing time has been elusive. A move to Crystal Palace could offer him the platform he needs to showcase his talents regularly in the Premier League.
Crystal Palace, under the management of Patrick Vieira, are keen to add more firepower to their attack. With Wilfried Zaha's departure, the Eagles need to inject pace and creativity into their forward line. Nelson's versatility and ability to play on either wing make him an attractive prospect for Vieira.
Aside from Nelson, several other Arsenal players are also rumored to be on their way out of the club. Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, and Albert Sambi Lokonga are among those expected to leave in the near future.
Jakub Kiwior is reportedly eager to join Porto on loan with an obligation to buy. However, this deal hinges on Arsenal's ability to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie. The Gunners are keen to strengthen their defensive options, and Hincapie is a player they have been monitoring for some time.
The potential departure of these players indicates a significant squad overhaul at Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is keen to reshape his squad and bring in players who fit his tactical vision. The Gunners have already made several signings this summer, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
Crystal Palace's pursuit of Reiss Nelson is a clear indication of their ambition to strengthen their squad and compete for a higher finish in the Premier League. The Eagles have been steadily improving under Patrick Vieira, and they are determined to continue their progress this season.
The coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether Crystal Palace can successfully negotiate a deal for Reiss Nelson. With the transfer deadline fast approaching, both clubs will be keen to finalize the transfer as quickly as possible. The move would represent a significant opportunity for Nelson to revitalize his career and establish himself as a key player in the Premier League.