Reiss Nelson looks more likely to stay at Arsenal as things stand, with a potential loan move to Spain now reportedly off.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Europa League Group B stage match between Arsenal FC and Dundalk FC at Emirates Stadium on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Mirror reported on their transfer live page on Sunday night that there were a few Spanish clubs after Nelson. Both Real Betis and Unai Emery’s Villarreal were interested, with Valencia also in the mix before pulling out after they landed Patrick Cutrone.

Unfortunately, Fabrizio Romano reports Nelson-to-Villarreal is not happening. Other clubs are interested, but Nelson could still stay with Arsenal for the rest of the season.

Sky Sports News claim Nelson is currently more likely to stay, with Arsenal open to offers but none of them suiting the player so far.

Previous reports suggested Nelson was hoping for a loan to mainland Europe, despite Arsenal’s openness to seeing him go on loan to the Championship.

There were a couple of German clubs linked, including Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim, but it doesn’t sound like there’s been any progress on those fronts either.

It’s a shame because Nelson isn’t likely to get a huge number of minutes with Arsenal before the end of the season. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning, Gabriel Martinelli fit, Willian, Nicolas Pepe, and Bukayo Saka available, he has competition.

Arsenal also don’t have the luxury of games to give players chances anymore. Every league fixture counts, and the only other competition with minutes on offer is the Europa League knockout rounds.

Mikel Arteta is sure to pick his perceived best side as often as possible. Right now, it doesn’t look like Nelson is in that.

Perhaps things could still change before the deadline, but otherwise, it’s up to the 21-year-old to try and make an impact in training.