Arsenal are set for some potential exits this summer, with plenty of stars facing the possibility of moving elsewhere.
For Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta, it’s a chance to continue evolving the squad, bringing in fresh faces and moving on those who don’t have a place for the future.
One of those possible exits includes a Hale End academy graduate, who hasn’t found it easy at Arsenal in the past couple of years.
It’s a move that could help bolster the budget, thanks to a financial rule.
Reiss Nelson is facing a transfer exit this summer, following a difficult couple of years at Arsenal.
The Hale End academy graduate played a backup role on the right wing before making a loan switch to Fulham last season.
Injury issues for Nelson persisted over the past year, making it a difficult time at Craven Cottage, with his return to London Colney coming this summer.
With the 25-year-old looking at a move away to get more minutes, a permanent move could bolster Arsenal’s transfer budget.
While some players would land the Gunners a nice boost to the transfer pot, the move for Nelson would actually land a healthy increase.
That’s because the winger is from the Arsenal academy, meaning he has a transfer cost of nothing on the accounts.
That means any move away would be banked as “pure profit”, meaning the money raised can go straight into the transfer pot.
In the PSR era of the Premier League, that sort of money is valuable, which can come as a huge boost to Arsenal.
Transfermarkt rates Nelson as being worth €16 million (£13.7 million), with two years left on his deal, which could help get another deal over the line.
The Hale End academy has provided more than its worth to Arsenal over the years with player development.
In terms of the senior team, the Gunners have saved plenty of money with stars such as Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly featuring regularly, without needing to sign other options.
Beyond them, sales have also provided plenty of money, with Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah raising some funds.
Cumulatively, those players coming through the club’s academy have made an impact in the team or on the finances.
It demonstrates just how important Hale End is to the Gunners, and how important it will be for the future.
