Fans are not happy
Arsenal fans are fuming as highly rated youngster Reiss Nelson looks set to join to Hoffenheim on a permanent deal.
The 18-year-old is out of contract next summer and has stalled over signing a new deal with the club due to fears over the amount of game time he will get.
If Nelson makes the jump to Germany, he will be following in the footsteps of Serge Gnabry, who left Arsenal to return to his native country due to a lack of game time at the Emirates and now plays for Bayern Munich.
Nelson isn’t the first young English player to seek minutes on the pitch in the Bundesliga either; Jadon Sancho left Manchester City to join Borussia Dortmund and has benefitted from the club’s trust in youth.
Nelson is one of the brightest prospects among Arsenal’s youth ranks; he won the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last season after picking up 10 goals, helping Arsenal win the league.
Speaking of his hope to sign a new deal with Arsenal, he said in April 2017: “It is a big achievement to sign for a big club like Arsenal so I’m just delighted with the contract and hopeful can sign it soon.
“I did set one target – to make my first-team debut. I have done that, I have had 15 appearances.”
Arsène Wenger clearly trusted Nelson in the senior team, giving him opportunities to impress in the League Cup and some lesser Premier League matches, but the winger has not made any of Unai Emery’s squads so far this season.
It’s clear that the new Arsenal boss does not have plans to use Nelson in the senior team, so, not wanting to waste time, he is seeking game time abroad.
It would be an understatement to say Arsenal fans are disappointed by the news of his imminent departure.
Nelson is Arsenal's best prospect since Wilshere. Yes he wasn't outstanding in the first-team last season but he has so much potential and could go on to become an excellent player.
— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) August 28, 2018
We have lost Ox, Walcott, Alexis, Gnabry, Lucas and now potentially Nelson since 2016. To replace, We have bought 0 wide players. Very poor planning by the club overall. Need 2 wingers MINIMUM. One for the starting spot and one to come on from the bench….
— Sash ~ (@ltarsenal) August 28, 2018
Why the fuck are we selling Reiss Nelson?? One of the best talents we've had coming through the ranks for years #afc
— LouCov (@ViewsGooner) August 28, 2018
