Arsenal set to offload Bukayo Saka alternative with Brighton and Premier League rivals interested

Brighton are in the running to sign Arsenal outcast Reiss Nelson this summer, according to reports.

Less than 12 months after penning a four-year contract extension, the winger has been deemed surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta. Nelson has not started any Premier League games for the Gunners in 2023-24, with appearances limited to substitute cameos and domestic cup outings.

Bukayo Saka is the undisputed No.1 in his position - making first-team opportunities hard to come by. Arsenal are also understood to be chasing a new wideman in the summer, placing Nelson’s position further under threat.

Reports have suggested Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto could be heading to the Emirates for £60million. Even if the Gunners sign nobody to compete with Saka, Nelson, an unused substitute in the Champions League win over Porto, may move on.

TeamTalk claim the 24-year-old is keen on moving and Brighton are in pole position to sign him. Arsenal will demand around £30million for Nelson, a fee that could unlock FFP/PSR spending power.

Academy graduates carry no book value for previous transfer fees so any sale is pure profit - a technique used by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City in recent years. Offloading Nelson would be one method for Emirates chiefs to free up funds for Arteta, who has stressed the need for “two quality players” per position.

Another busy summer is expected at Arsenal regardless of whether the Premier League title returns to North London. The Gunners and other Premier League clubs kept their powder dry in the January transfer window amid debate around FFP/PSR regulations.