Yesterdays blog about Reiss Nelson generated a lot of discussion across our social media.
Some pointed out that “Nelson had more than a good 10 seconds, he was good for 25 minutes”. And yes, he was very good when he comes on. But it is those final 10 seconds that got everyone talking about him.
He does not score with the last kick, then I do not think anyone would be having a discussion this week over a new contract. All talk would be over us dropping two points.
So the title of the blog very much stands as it is those 10 seconds that got us talking about his new deal.
It was interesting to watch the opinions come in, and for me it shows how reactionary some fans are.
Plenty were supporting him getting a new deal, with many saying how good he had been when called upon this season and how it was obvious Mikel Arteta liked him.
He has played just 85 minutes of Premier League football in 26 games. That is 85 minutes out of a possible 2,340. So what some fans are saying is that he has been good for 4% of the total available minutes this season. Not exactly something to be boasting about?
Also Arteta has only selected him for 4% of the available minutes. I would say that shows Mikel does not rate him.
But moving the conversation on, if Reiss stayed, what would our attacking options be?
Gabriel Jesus
Eddie Nketiah
Folarin Balogun
Bukayo Saka
Gabriel Martinelli
Leandro Trossard
Emile Smith Rowe
Reiss Nelson
Marquinhos
That would be 9 options for 3 positions.
Now at this point some will be saying “we need strength in depth if we are in the Champions League”, and they are right.
Most top teams will have 2 top players for every position. As it stands we would have 3. Far too many. At most, we need 7 in those positions..
So who would be the 7?
Jesus, Martinelli, Saka, Trossard are the gaurantees. You will only find weirdos sitting in their mums basement who would argue against those 4. So from the remaining 5, who remains?
Nketiah or Balogun
I have made the argument a few times that we do not need both Nketiah and Baologun.
We play one up top, so we only really need 2 out and out strikers, and then perhaps a winger who can also play down the middle.
Most top teams adopt this approach. Think Haaland and Alvarez at Manchester City or Kane and Richarlison at Spurs. These are then backed up further by “wide forwards” who play down the middle. We have that option in Trossard.
A lot of those who want Nelson to get a new deal are also calling for Balogun to “get a chance”. That would indicate to me that they would rather have Balogun than Nketiah. I can not agree with that.
Nketiah has done nothing to deserve to be dropped. And Balogun has not proven that he would be a better option.
If we are looking to replace Nketiah, we should be getting in someone we know is better. Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins for example. We do not know if Balogun is better.
I would keep Nketiah. I would also cash in on Balgoun whilst his value is high rather than loan him out.
Emile Smith Rowe
For some time I have felt that this could be Smith Rowe’s last season with Arsenal.
He has a poor injury record going back to his academy days. I would not be surprised if we cash in on him if a high enough bid comes in.
Smith Rowe is an intelligent boy who can play left and right. He is also an option at 10. Some also think he could also play as a false 9. If he stays fit his versatility could be an asset.
And if he stays, he would be the 6th man on the list.
Jesus, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard, Nketiah/Balogun, Smith Rowe.
Now at this point, we would have our two players for every position. We could go into next season with just these 6.
Reiss Nelson or Marquinhos
So do we keep Nelson around as 7th choice? Or keep Marquinhos?
I have seen some say “give Nelson a 2 year deal with an option for a 3rd”. These people do not live in the real world. They forget a player has to agree a contract.
Others have said “give Nelson a 5-year deal and loan him out”.
If you are 23-years-old, have already had two loan deals, and a 3rd loan deal is being proposed, then you are not going to make it. A new 5-year deal in that situation would only be prolonging the agony of all parties.
Now some will say “sign Nelson to a new deal and send Marquinhos on loan again”. I am not sure about this.
We are basically discussing moving a 19-year-old back out on loan to accomodate a 23-year-old as your 7th choice forward.
Considering Nelson also takes up a squad position, it makes little sense to me.
At this point, I would put forward a new signing.
You let Nelson leave, sell Smith Rowe, and then invest in someone who is bette (and more reliable) than the pair to cover for Saka. And if that player can also play down the middle, it is winner winner.
I think this is a realistic option for next year.
We are desperate for cover for Saka, and right wing is not the best position for either Smith Rowe or Nelson. We would be sacrificing two injury prone players to then bring in someone without a questionable fitness record. And that player could also be an option upfront.
So for me next season? I would go:
Jesus
Nketiah
Martinelli Saka
Trossard NewRW
Marquinhos
That would then give us the 6 front line attacking options we need, as well as a 7th choice development player.
We improve on this season by buying better players that what we have. And in that forward line, Nelson and Smith Rowe are the two we could easily upgrade on.
Mkight wrench the heart selling Hale End boys, but we are in the football business to win trophies.
If you have not made it 6 years after making your senior debut, then you are never going to make it.
As someone else said to me Monday:
Just back Arteta’s decision. If he wants to keep Nelson, a new deal will be offered. If he does not, then we need to back his decision. Arteta Knows Best.
Tomorrow we focus on the Europa League. A game where Nelson will be given the chance to shine.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 