Reiss Nelson rejects new Arsenal contract, leaving his future uncertain as he seeks more playing time and catches Brighton’s eye.

• Reiss Nelson rejects first contract offer from Arsenal, leaving his future at the club uncertain
• Brighton and other Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in signing Nelson on a free transfer
• The young winger seeks more regular playing time to further his career, having struggled to secure a starting position under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal

Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson has reportedly turned down a new contract offered by the Gunners, leaving his future at the Emirates Stadium in doubt.

Sources close to the player have told Football Insider that the 23-year-old winger is eager to secure more regular playing time at this stage of his career, and may seek opportunities elsewhere.

Despite showing promise in his appearances for Arsenal this season, Nelson has struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup.

He has featured in 16 matches across all competitions during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing three goals and three assists.

However, Nelson is yet to start a Premier League game, as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain Arteta’s preferred options on the wings.

Although the one-time FA Cup winner signed his last contract extension in August 2018, Nelson has enjoyed success during loan spells away from the North London club.

Last season, the winger scored four goals and provided seven assists in 33 appearances for Feyenoord, helping the Dutch side reach the Europa Conference League final.

Additionally, Nelson spent the 2018-19 season on loan at Hoffenheim, scoring seven goals and assisting one in 28 matches across all competitions.

As Nelson’s current contract expires in June, Arsenal may still attempt to negotiate a new deal with the winger.

However, reports suggest that Brighton and other Premier League clubs have expressed interest in signing the player on a free transfer. Brighton, in particular, have shown serious intent to secure Nelson’s services should he decide to part ways with Arsenal.

Nelson has displayed his potential in various appearances for the Gunners this season, including a standout performance against Brighton in the League Cup.

The young winger provided an assist for Eddie Nketiah during the match and impressed as one of Arsenal’s top performers.

Nelson also demonstrated his ability to make an impact with goals and assists against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Manchester City, and Chelsea.

Considering Nelson’s limited playing time at Arsenal, it is understandable that the winger is exploring other options to further his career.

With the summer transfer window approaching, the Gunners will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Nelson’s situation and attempt to resolve any contract disputes before it’s too late.

Reiss Nelson’s career stats

Reiss Nelson’s career statistics reveal a promising young talent with a solid record across various clubs and competitions. In total, Nelson has featured in 192 matches, scoring 43 goals and providing 26 assists, accumulating 10,321 minutes on the pitch.

At Arsenal, Nelson has made 64 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting seven times, clocking in 2,794 minutes. His time with Arsenal’s U21 team has seen even more productivity, with 46 appearances, 19 goals, 11 assists, and six penalties, totalling 3,748 minutes on the field.

During his loan spell at Feyenoord Rotterdam, Nelson made 32 appearances, netting four goals and contributing seven assists. He played 1,553 minutes for the Dutch side and was instrumental in their Europa Conference League campaign. At TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Nelson’s time on loan was marked by 29 appearances, seven goals, and one assist, amassing 774 minutes of playing time.

In addition to his club performances, Nelson has also represented Arsenal at the youth level in UEFA competitions. He made 12 appearances for the Arsenal FC UEFA U19 team, scoring twice and receiving two yellow cards in 894 minutes. Furthermore, Nelson played nine times for Arsenal’s U18 side, scoring four goals and spending 558 minutes on the pitch.

These statistics highlight Reiss Nelson’s ability to contribute offensively across various teams and competitions. Although he has faced challenges breaking into Arsenal’s first team, his performances elsewhere demonstrate that he has the potential to become a key player for the right side.