Arsenal is prepared to accept offers around £25 million for winger Reiss Nelson, who only signed a new four-year contract last summer.
The club has already initiated steps to secure his potential replacement, targeting Viktor Tsygankov from Girona.
Despite Arsenal’s strong squad, there is a noticeable lack of adequate backup for star right winger Bukayo Saka.
Saka has struggled to maintain form towards the end of recent seasons, possibly due to overuse. His performance data reflects this trend: in the final stretch of the 2021/22 season, he managed just two goals and two assists in his last ten league matches.
Similarly, in the 2022/23 season, he scored only once and provided no assists in his last six games.
This pattern continued in the most recent season, with Saka scoring three goals in his final nine league appearances, two of which were penalties.
Reiss Nelson, a homegrown talent and a left-footed winger, has not been a significant part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, starting only one Premier League match last season.
Despite signing a new contract in July, he has been on the fringes of the squad. As a result, Arsenal is looking to cash in on Nelson, who would represent pure profit on their balance sheet, and reinvest the funds into acquiring a more reliable backup for Saka.
Arsenal identifies perfect backup for Bukayo saka
Reports suggest that Arsenal is targeting Viktor Tsygankov, a 25-year-old Ukrainian international who impressed at Girona with 15 goal contributions in 30 LaLiga matches last season.
Tsygankov played a crucial role in Girona’s remarkable third-place finish, which secured their first-ever qualification for the Champions League.
However, his future at Girona is uncertain, as Arsenal has reportedly approached him.
Tsygankov has a release clause of €30 million (£25.5 million), meaning Arsenal could nearly fund his acquisition entirely with the proceeds from Nelson’s sale.
AC Milan is also interested in Tsygankov, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly very keen on him, considering him an ideal fit for the squad.
This strategic move indicates Arsenal’s proactive approach to addressing squad depth, particularly the need for effective rotation options for key players like Saka, to maintain their performance throughout the season.
