Arsenal are set to receive a €500k loan fee from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim to take Reiss Nelson on loan, according to reports in Germany.

German outlet Bild reported yesterday that Nelson would extend his contract with Arsenal before joining Hoffenheim on loan. The youngster’s current deal with the Gunners only lasts until 2019, so there’s no point letting him go on loan unless he agrees an extension, as he now seemingly has done.

Now, the same outlet report Hoffenheim will pay a €500k fee to acquire the services of Nelson for the season. If the player starts to reach his potential with regular game time in Germany, it’ll be well worth the investment.

The Bundesliga transfer window closes on Friday 31st August, so it’s not long now until we’ll know for sure what’s happening with the 18-year-old.

It certainly seems like the rumours are true though, based on Nelson’s absence from first-team training on Wednesday. Fellow academy youngsters like Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Eddie Nketiah and Julio Pleguezuelo all took part in the session, and usually under those circumstances Nelson would be there too.

Hopefully it’s just a loan deal as reported, as it would be a real shame to lose Nelson before he really had a chance to make an impact at senior level in North London. Assuming it is, good luck to him for the coming season abroad!