According to Fabrizio Romano, newly-promoted Leicester are trying to sign Reiss Nelson, initially on a season-long loan but with an obligation to buy the winger next summer.
Operating as a backup to Bukayo Saka, the 24-year-old has struggled for game time at Arsenal in the last couple of years and has informed the club he’s open to leaving even though he signed a new deal this time last year.
It was reported last week that Nelson had agreed personal terms with West Ham United so either those claims were wide of the mark or Leicester have stolen a march on the Hammers.
Romano says the Foxes are confident of persuading the player to move to the King Power citing a previous working relationship between Nelson and manager Steve Cooper. The two crossed paths at St George’s Park when Cooper oversaw England’s under-19s.
Nelson, who is valued in the region of £15 million, is currently in Los Angeles on the Gunners’ pre-season tour of the USA.
Fellow Academy graduates, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, are in a similar position. Crystal Palace are keen on the former while Marseille are chasing the latter.
Despite the speculation, Nketiah isn’t giving anything away about his future. Quizzed by the club’s in-house media team he used the opportunity to pass on his advice to the 12 youngsters who’ve been invited Stateside.
“Pre-season is really good for a lot of the lads who haven’t trained or played with us that much to show what they can do,” he said.
“It gives people opportunities to show themselves and get fit, so hopefully they can take them.
“It’s a platform, even for us now, to make our mark and start playing games regularly and get fit. I think there are a lot of examples of players who did well in pre-season and gone on to play and have minutes in the first team, so it’s a really good chance.
“I know what it’s like for the young kids coming through so I’m just trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible. We have a really good group of guys, everyone is really nice and welcoming and tries to make everyone feel good.”
