Everton, Aston Villa prepare to steal Arsenal attacker for free as contract negotiations drag on | OneFootball

Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, amid ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

The 22-year-old has been in negotiations over a contract extension with the London club for some time, but despite the player being keen to stay, an agreement is yet to be reached.

Both Sean Dyche and Unai Emery are planning to revamp their respective squad’s ahead of next season, so they will be ready to strike if Arsenal don’t tie Nelson down to a new deal soon.

The Gunners are in terrific form under Mikel Arteta this season, currently sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and are well on their way to their first title since 2004.

This has been thanks to fine performances from attacking players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, whose creativity has fired them to the top of the division.

However, this has left Nelson struggling for consistent game time this season, making just four appearances in the Premier League this term.

But, the winger has been incredibly prolific when he has played – scoring three goals and making two assists in those matches, including a dramatic 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth in March, which could prove to be crucial in the title race.

As previously reported by Football365, the Gunners are keen to tie Nelson down to a new deal, but so far there has been no breakthrough in negotiations.

This is despite the fact the Englishman would ‘love’ to pen an extension at the Emirates.

Speaking in an interview in November, Nelson said: “I’ve never doubted myself at this football club.

“Arsenal is a team that I’ve been at since I was eight years old and I have a very, very strong bond and love for the club.

“Of course, there have been times where I’ve been a bit down when I haven’t played or been on the bench, but my plan has never been for me to leave the club or say that I have no future here and I will do everything possible to get there.”

However, with Nelson’s current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly hoping to sign him on a free transfer.

According to reports coming out of Spain, the Premier League duo have registered an interest in the attacker, while other clubs are also queuing up for his signature.

Everton are desperately in need of attacking reinforcements this summer after scoring the second-least goals of any Premier League team so far this term, so Nelson could prove to be an invaluable addition for Dyche.

However, the Toffees’ transfer business is likely to depend on whether or not they avoid relegation, with the Merseyside club only outside the drop zone on goal difference.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, have improved significantly since Emery’s arrival, but he is reportedly keen to add more depth to his attack.

Indeed, the Spanish manager must look to bring in a quality goal scorer who can partner Ollie Watkins in the attack and Nelson would add some much-needed pace and creativity to the side.

If Arsenal fail in tying Nelson down to a new deal, Everton and Villa are definitely the ones to watch this summer.

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