Arsenal handed major transfer boost as Saka replacement confirms January stance

Arsenal star Reiss Nelson has confirmed his stance on a potential January transfer exit amid the club's links with a potential rotation option for Bukayo Saka. It comes as the Gunners have been forced to manage the early parts of the season to keep themselves competitive in all competitions.

In the Premier League, the Gunners sit in second and well within the title race, with hopes they can better last season's runners up finish. Then there's a return to the Champions League for the first time in years, with Mikel Arteta aiming to go as deep into the competition as possible after confirming a place in the knockout rounds.

The big challenge facing the manager in all of this is keeping his squad as competitive, but as strong as possible, balancing the need to win matches and keep his players fit. “We have five or six big injuries so we are already a bit thin," Arteta admitted ahead of his side's clash with PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

“I don’t know in another context what I would have done but I also want everyone together with the mentality to win. I want to see that in their tummies tomorrow.” While they didn't get the win, they did avoid defeat to a side that are yet to lose at home this season, with some rotation required too.

One player that didn't start was Saka, with the star being replaced by Nelson to ensure he add some proper rest between games, with a slight knock in the build up to the clash. The incoming winger impressed in the clash, making a point for the reason he should perhaps receive more minutes.

That will be an even bigger point when it comes to the fitness of Saka himself, given his importance to the team and the difficult there may be to find another adequate replacement at a decent price point in the January transfer market. In Nelson, Arsenal may already have their perfect backup option.

As a result, it'll come as a big boost that the Hale Ender has seemingly committed his future to Arsenal ahead of the window, having signed a new contract in the summer. Speaking to RTL, on rumours with a switch to Feyenoord, he said: "I have a good relationship with the [Feyenoord] coach [Arne Slot]. I helped them a few years ago and that was a great time. I was able to develop really well. [But] I have signed a new contract with Arsenal, this is where my heart is at the moment."

It remains to be seen where his long-term ambitions may lie if the opportunities don't come, but for the rest of the season at least, Arsenal already have their Saka replacement.