Exclusive: Two clubs in race to sign Arsenal attacker as Gunners fired warning over player sales

Arsenal are facing interest in Reiss Nelson this summer, with West Ham United and Leicester City apparently competing for the 24-year-old, according to Charles Watts.

The Gunners, however, have been warned that they would surely need to sign a replacement in the attacking area of their squad if all three of Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah leave.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Watts provided an update on Nelson’s situation, confirming the reports linking him with Leicester, whilst insisting that West Ham could still be there as well.

It remains to be seen precisely how this saga will pan out, with Watts stressing that nothing is imminent as of now, even if things are now moving closer for Smith Rowe to leave Arsenal for Fulham.

With Nketiah also being targeted by Marseille, Watts believes it’s important for Arsenal to be careful about selling too many players, as they’ll surely need to replace that loss of squad depth.

Nelson transfer update and more from Arsenal expert Watts

“It’s no surprise to see several clubs being linked with an interest in Reiss Nelson. Anyone watching Arsenal’s pre-season tour over in the United States will have seen the decent performances he has been putting in,” Watts said.

“Leicester are understood to have enquired about the winger, but West Ham are still there and I certainly wouldn’t rule them out as Nelson’s next destination.

“But as it stands, I don’t think anything is imminent. Although of course that can change at any point, should someone come in with an offer that Arsenal find acceptable.

“The fact Nelson is playing over in the USA shows, however, that no-one has come close to meeting Arsenal’s demands for Nelson. It’s the same when it comes to Eddie Nketiah, who Marseille want.

“The French club have been talking to Arsenal about Nketiah but have not come close to finding an agreement.

“It’s a very different situation to that of Smith Rowe, who is now on the verge of joining Fulham after a £34 million deal was agreed between the two clubs.

“That move has been close to being done for a while now, which is why Smith Rowe was left out of the USA tour games against Bournemouth and Manchester United.

“To be honest, I do think the time is right for all three to move on this summer. If that were to happen though, then Arsenal would need to sign at least one new attacker ahead of the new season. They would be a bit short otherwise.”