Arsenal man ‘approached’ by Prem clubs over free transfer; ‘huge’ contract for Saka is ‘sealed’

Arsenal attacker Reiss Nelson has reportedly been ‘approached’ by several clubs who are looking to sign him on a free transfer this summer.

The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant season as they have mounted an unexpected challenge for the Premier League title.

They have crumbled during the run-in but this campaign should still be regarded as a hugely successful one for Arsenal.

Despite this, there is the acceptance that they will have to strengthen this summer before they return to the Champions League.

They have been focused on retaining their best players this season, with Aaron Ramsdale and Gabriel Martinelli both signing new long-term contracts.

Arsenal are also looking to keep Nelson beyond the end of this campaign. His deal is due to expire this summer and he is yet to commit his future to the Premier League giants.

Nelson has not started in the Premier League this season but he produced a star-making performance in the comeback victory over AFC Bournemouth in March.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday morning that Arsenal have made a ‘new proposal’ to Nelson. He has a ‘four-year deal’ on the table and this would include an ‘option for a further year’.

It is now ‘up to the player’ if he stays at Arsenal. He has plenty of options as ‘English, Italian and French clubs have approached him over a potential free move’.

Romano has better news regarding the future of Bukayo Saka as he has ‘signed the new long-term contract with Arsenal’.

His deal is ‘done and sealed’ and this is ‘huge’ for the Gunners. This comes after a ‘verbal agreement’ was reached between Arsenal and Saka in February.

READ MORE: Newcastle join Arsenal in CL ‘group of death’ amid talk of Willian return

Earlier this year, England boss Gareth Southgate claimed Saka is “benefiting from the environment” at Arsenal.

“You can see the happiness,” Southgate said. “His finishing, you’re seeing him move on to chances now and expecting him a score. For a period, that wasn’t the case. You can see the confidence.

“He is benefiting from the environment at the club. Things have settled. He has a coach who he clearly respects and who has a clear identity now with the team and their expectations and their work with and without the ball. The playing style is clear. Last year there was the change of manager mid-season as well so there was a lot of unsettling things really.

“He’s in that flow that every player and athlete wants to be in. You can’t remain in it forever and you must try to get back into it when you are out of it. But he is in that moment and he must feel super-confident.”

READ MORE: Premier League worst finishers… Arsenal and Everton have two misfiring players each