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Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Arsenal star given AC Milan and West Ham leverage in contract talks as Edu considers third exit

Arsenal's upcoming summer transfer window is set to be a huge one when it comes to progressing the team forward and creating long-term success that has begun as a result of this season's hard work. While incomings are likely to be on the mind of most, the balance of the squad is also key.

That means some potential exits too, with Mikel Arteta already confirming that he will have to make some difficult decisions in the coming weeks. "It's always tough, especially when you have good relationships with those individuals, but we are here to win," the Spaniard told the press earlier this month.

"That's the purpose of everybody at the club. We have to win and to win we have to do it in our way and to do that we have to make decisions." It means that some players may have to be moved on or let go, even despite the sentimentality that many may hold for them.

READ MORE: Declan Rice 'definitely leaving' West Ham as Arsenal given major boost in £120m transfer pursuit

Two decisions that Edu Gaspar has had to make already has been over the futures of Pablo Mari and Charlie Patino, with the former already confirming a move to Monza, while the latter looks set for an exit for guaranteed playing time. There's also the future of Reiss Nelson to consider.

The Hale End academy graduate is a free agent at the end of the season and while contract talks have been held, it remains to be seen whether a new deal will be signed. He could have some leverage in any deal to keep him though as the Evening Standard reports that AC Milan, West Ham, Brighton and Fulham are all eyeing a potential switch for the winger if he is available.

It leaves the Gunners with a dilemma as to whether to meet the demands of Nelson or to look elsewhere, which could cost them far more.

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