By Gabriel Agbonlahor

8th May, 2023 | 12:44pm

Agbonlahor can't believe Arsenal could seal 'big-money' Reiss Nelson deal after talks update

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Arsenal should steer clear of handing Reiss Nelson a “big-money” new contract at the club.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 23-year-old will only ever be a “bit-part” player for the Gunners.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (4 May), Nelson has rejected the first contract offer made by Arsenal – but negotiations are ongoing ahead of a final decision at the end of this season.

The report claims that multiple clubs at home and abroad have approached the winger over a free transfer – with his contract set to expire next month.

Nelson has notched three goals and three assists in 16 appearances this season – but is yet to start a Premier League game in the 2022-23 campaign.

The former Feyenoord and Hoffenheim loanee earns a reported wage of £15,000-a-week at the Emirates Stadium.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it depends on the offer from Arsenal.

“He’s rejected the first offer – but Arsenal are only going to give him a bit-part role. He’s someone who will only ever come off the bench when needed.

“Arsenal can’t be paying him big money.

“If you’re Reiss Nelson and you’re out of contract, he knows he can get big money somewhere else.

“I think it could be a difficult contract to agree. Maybe it would be the right thing to let Nelson go this summer.”

Nelson has notched seven goals and seven assists across 64 appearances for Arsenal since coming through the youth ranks.

Football Insider told this site last week (2 May) that the Gunners are monitoring Wolves’ Pedro Neto as they plot a new winger signing this summer.

In other news, Arsenal now want to sign Ben White replacement.