In a crucial development for Arsenal, Reiss Nelson is on the verge of committing his future to the club with a significant new contract, marking a significant turning point in ongoing negotiations.

• Reiss Nelson has reportedly agreed in principle to a lucrative new contract with Arsenal, quashing rumours of a potential free transfer.
• Despite previous contract rejections, Nelson, who endured a season hampered by injury, has always favoured staying at Arsenal.
• Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa, and AC Milan had all shown interest in Nelson, who instead chose a significant pay rise with the Gunners.

Reiss Nelson is poised to sign a new, significantly improved contract, following a breakthrough in negotiations with the club.

Nelson’s existing contract was set to expire at the end of the month, raising the possibility of a free transfer, but it appears that a resolution favourable to both parties has now been reached.

Despite rejecting two contract offers earlier this season, Nelson has shown a consistent preference for staying at Arsenal, even as he played a largely peripheral role during the 2022-23 campaign.

His commitment to the club has now been solidified, with Nelson agreeing in principle to a new contract that reportedly includes a major pay increase from his current £60,000-per-week deal.

This breakthrough has effectively put an end to speculation about a potential move to another club.

Several teams, including Brighton, Fulham, Aston Villa, and AC Milan, were reportedly interested in securing Nelson on a free transfer.

However, the 23-year-old, who has struggled with injury during the recent season, always seemed more inclined to remain with the Gunners, managed by Mikel Arteta.

This development, barring any last-minute complications, will see Nelson sign a long-term contract, understood to span an initial four years.

Arsenal’s decision to offer a more lucrative deal to Nelson is seen as a testament to his talent and potential, as well as the club’s faith in his ability to play a more central role in the coming years.

This contract renewal also underscores the club’s commitment to retaining its young talents and building a squad capable of meeting its ambitions in the Premier League and beyond.