Arsenal close in on surprise transfer that will unlock Sterling – Romano

Arsenal are in advanced talks with Ipswich Town over Reiss Nelson, according to Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein.

The Gunners are trying to have a blockbuster end to the summer transfer window. Arsenal are now actively working on securing a deal for Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling.

The former Man City and Liverpool winger has been banished from the first-team squad and Arsenal are sensing a late opportunity to pounce, with the player bluntly told by Enzo Maresca that he won’t play if he stays.

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Sterling is open to the move, but an agreement between the two clubs is still being negotiated, with Chelsea likely more desperate to complete the deal than Arsenal.

The Gunners are nevertheless putting everything into place to ensure a smooth end to Deadline Day.

Arsenal to offload Nelson

To free up the necessary room in their squad, Arsenal are looking to finally offload Reiss Nelson, who has been linked with an exit all summer but looked poised to remain at the Emirates, with suitors reportedly priced out of a move.

Now, however, Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein report that Arsenal are already in advanced talks with Ipswich Town over a loan for the 24-year-old.

It would be a straight loan without an obligation or option to purchase the player next summer. Given the possible arrival of Sterling, Nelson’s game time would be even more limited than it already was, so a departure seems sensible.

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Previously, Leicester City and West Ham were interested in the winger. FootballTransfers understands that the player’s preference has always been joining the Hammers, but a move just could not materialise.

Now, he looks set to join the Premier League new boys who have been very busy indeed this summer. Ipswich have also restarted talks with Chelsea over Armando Broja after the deal previously collapsed during his medical.