Arsenal starlet Reiss Nelson is set to sign a new long-term contract with the Gunners before moving on loan to Hoffenheim, according to The Daily Mirror.
What's the word?
Widely regarded to be one of the finest young assets within Arsenal's squad, many fans would have hoped to see Reiss Nelson handed first-team opportunities by Unai Emery this term - but that is not going to be the case.
The Daily Mirror states that Nelson will bring an end to a contract saga in North London by signing a new long-term deal with the Gunners before moving on loan to Hoffenheim for the remainder of the season in search of regular first-team action.
Earlier claims suggested that a deal would be permanent, which would have been a major blow to Emery's side, but a loan move and a new deal could stand as the ideal next step in the development of the 18-year-old.
Emery has high hopes for Nelson and rates him highly but first-team opportunities would be more frequent in the Bundesliga, where the teenager will play under highly-rated boss Julian Nagelsmann.
The right move?
Arsenal fans will have breathed a sigh of relief when it emerged that a deal for Nelson is temporary, not a permanent switch as originally reported, but it could still be a blow to the Gunners and their first-team depth this season.
Nelson played 16 times in Arsene Wenger's final year in charge last year, including appearances in the Europa League and Premier League, but faced a struggle to secure regular opportunities this term up against the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Danny Welbeck, Alexandre Lacazette, Alex Iwobi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
His ability would have proven to be useful in the cup competitions once again this term and his departure will lead to a decrease in the depth available to Emery, which could become an issue as the season progresses as Arsenal battle on numerous fronts.
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