Journalist claims Arsenal talent could leave on loan, follow in Emile Smith Rowe footsteps

Arsenal are reportedly looking to send Reiss Nelson out on loan to a Championship club this month, according to PA journalist Mark Mann-Bryans.

The 21-year-old came through the Gunners ranks and has been tipped for a huge future in the game.

Speaking to The Sun, former Arsenal academy coach Andries Jonker claimed that, out of about 250 youth players, Nelson was one of three he considered to be elite talents.

(Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Nelson has made 47 competitive appearances for the first team, but just nine this term, and not a single one in the Premier League.

And according to Mann-Bryans, the Gunners are hoping that, by sending the Hale End gem to play for a club in the second-tier, he could develop further.

Arsenal looking into a potential Championship loan move for Reiss Nelson this month.

His game-time has dried up and development stalled – club clearly saw improvement in Smith Rowe following his stint at Huddersfield.

Could be one that progresses in the coming days.

— Mark Mann-Bryans (@MarkyMBryans) January 22, 2021

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Emile Smith Rowe enjoyed a superb loan stint at Huddersfield in the second half of last season, helping the Terriers survive in the Championship.

He stayed put at Arsenal this term and, after biding his time in the first half of the campaign, has now broken into the first team and is one of Mikel Arteta’s key players.

Clearly a temporary drop to the second tier worked for Smith Rowe, and it should work for Nelson too, as he is undoubtedly a top talent, but whose progress has stalled.