Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson 'rejects new contract' as fears grow over exit

Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson has rejected the offer of a new contract at the club amid interest from other Premier League clubs, according to reports.

Nelson is one of four current established first team players that have graduated from the club's Hale End academy, with Emile Smith Rowe, Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah the others.

He has found game time hard to come by this season, but did create one of its most memorable moments when he scored the winning goal during injury time in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Bournemouth on March 4.

However, the 23-year-old has not started a league game since that impact, with other clubs alerted to his situation.

Nelson is out of contract this summer, with the Daily Mail claiming that Roberto De Zerbi's Brighton are planning to make an to sign him on a free transfer.

He admitted to football.london in December that he had a desire to stay at Arsenal beyond the end of his deal - but the latest report on his future suggests his stance may have changed.

Reiss Nelson 'rejects' new Arsenal contract

The Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel has claimed that Nelson has turned down a new contract at Arsenal, and that there is 'a growing belief' that he will depart the Emirates Stadium at the end of the current campaign.

Furthermore, it is said that Nelson's decision will be a partial factor in whether the Gunners sign a new forward this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby a player of interest to the club.

Sky Sports reported in January that the German side would ask for £88 million from any club to part company with the French winger, who came through PSG's youth system.

But it was also stated that Leverkusen did not want to sell the 23-year-old mid-season, which could potentially impact on the fee they are willing to accept in the summer, when there is more time to source a replacement.

However, 90min claim that Newcastle have also joined the race for Diaby and, like Arsenal - although guaranteed in the Gunners' case - they will likely be able to offer the Frenchman the opportunity to play Champions League football next season.

Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Brighton And Hove Albion

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.