Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann has compared Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson to former Gunner Serge Gnabry and says the winger has qualities that his squad lack at the moment.
The 18-year-old winger is set to join Hoffenheim on a season-long loan deal from Arsenal, with the German club agreeing to pay a hefty loan fee of €500,000 to the north London club.
Nagelsmann confirmed the club’s interest in Nelson and indicated that his side are close to agreeing the final details of the loan agreement with Arsenal.
He compared Nelson to former Gunner Gnabry, who spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim, and admits that his squad lack the pace that the youngster could potentially add.
Nagelsmann admits that it was his decision to pursue a player of the 18-year-old’s quality.
Asked about Nelson, the German was quoted as saying by Bild: “We are interested, I can say the openly. There are some final details that we need to clarify.
“Reiss has similar traits to Serge, which is his pace in one-on-one situations.
"These are qualities that we don’t have much of in the squad.
“It was my wish that we replenish those qualities again.”
Nelson has 16 senior Arsenal appearances under his belt and will be hoping to further develop during his loan stint at Hoffenheim.
