Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson has shown Mikel Arteta and Edu that he can step up to be Nicolas Pepe's replacement with an impressive performance against Orlando City.
Nelson scored the Gunners' third and final goal in the 3-1 win over the American outfit with a fine volleyed finish after drifting into the penalty box from the left wing. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, registering 11 goal contributions in 32 appearances for the Dutch side.
Nicolas Pepe could leave the Emirates this summer after falling down the pecking order in Arteta's squad following the emergence and performances of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli. Nelson could save Arsenal plenty of money this summer by proving himself to be a reliable backup option in Arteta's squad, should the 22-year-old wish to stay at the Emirates and settle for a squad role.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Oleksandr Zinchenko transfer and his position at Arsenal
Pepe has been linked with a return to France and move abroad to Spain, with the Gunners set to suffer a significant loss on the £72million fee they paid for the Ivorian forward three years ago. The north Londoners are said to have slapped a £25million asking price on Pepe this summer, with the 27-year-old attracting interest from Sevilla.
According to Diario de Sevilla, the La Liga outfit have contacted Arsenal regarding a potential deal to sign Pepe this summer. The Ivory Coast international is not a key player for Arteta's project moving forward and could move to Sevilla, but a deal is complicated due to Pepe's wage demands.
Arsenal have signed four new players this summer and football.london understands that Oleksandr Zinchenko is set to sign a four-year deal to become the Gunners' fifth signing after the club agreed a £32million deal for the Ukraine international. The north London outfit needs to move on players deemed surplus to requirements, with Arteta admitting his squad needs to be trimmed down ahead of the new season.
Speaking to the press after Arsenal's 3-1 win over Orlando, the Spaniard discussed outgoing transfers and said: "We have to. We have a big squad, and now we have to make things happen."
Nelson would have more opportunities in Arteta's squad next season due to the Gunners featuring in the Europa League for the 2022/23 campaign. If the club are able to find a suitor for Pepe, Nelson could be the perfect replacement for the Ivorian, which could save Edu from searching for an alternative option in the transfer market.
READ NEXT:
Arsenal handed major Youri Tielemans transfer boost as Leicester City setback creates opening
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
Full Arsenal Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Why Bellerin shouted at Jesus as five players absent: Arsenal moments missed in training
Edu can sign £66m star on one condition this summer as Arsenal 'reignite' old transfer interest
