Huge blow for Arsenal as England international rejects new contract

Arsenal will be hoping to maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City with a win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday. 

Mikel Arteta’s side had topped the table for a number of weeks before a defeat to City a fortnight ago allowed the Citizens to move into top spot.

The Gunners did briefly return to the summit, but now sit a point behind their rivals in second having also played a game more than City.

Now, it appears that Arsenal have been dealt another blow.

According to Football Insider, winger Reiss Nelson has rejected a contract offer from the club.

The report claims that the former England under-21 international has declined Arsenal’s initial offer, throwing his future at the club into doubt.

Nelson, 23, has played a bit part role for the Gunners so far this season, making 16 appearances across all competitions.

Despite his relative lack of game time, the forward has made a huge impact for his side, most notably when providing an assist and then scoring a 97th minute winner as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-2 in March.

Nelson could leave Arsenal as a free agent this summer

His contract is set to expire this summer, though, and it looks increasingly likely that the Englishman will depart The Emirates at the end of the season.

Nelson, a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, is said to currently earn around £15,000-per-week but reportedly wants to ensure he plays more regularly at this stage of his career.

The winger has also previously spent time out on loan with both German side Hoffenheim and Dutch outfit Feyenoord, scoring a total of 11 goals across the two spells.

In total, he has made 64 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing the same number of assists.

Despite playing an important role for his side this term, it appears increasingly likely that Nelson will leave Arsenal at the end of the season.