Aston Villa to battle Brighton for Reiss Nelson as Arsenal line up Premier League star as transfer replacement

ASTON VILLA are plotting a raid on Arsenal for Reiss Nelson, according to reports.

Villa have been resurgent under ex-Gunners boss Unai Emery and are knocking on the door of European qualification.

Aston Villa have entered the running to sign Reiss NelsonAlamy

GettyArsenal could sign Wilfried Zaha on a free[/caption]

And if they qualify for the Europa League there could be several reinforcements in the summer.

Emery is keen to re-unite with Nelson having been impressed with the winger during his spell at The Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

Nelson has struggled to establish himself as a first-team player at Arsenal in recent years, though he does have three goals in five Premier League appearances this season.

He scored a vital last-gasp winner against Bournemouth in March and his performances have attracted interest from Brighton.

Nelson is out of contract in the summer and Ligue Un side Nice look set to table the 23-year-old an offer.

Arsenal could reportedly replace Nelson with another free agent this summer – Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.

Arsenal were interested in Zaha back in 2019 but instead opted to sign Nicolas Pepe from Lille.

The likes of Bundesliga duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on snapping up the Ivorian international on a free transfer.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

Ligue 1 side Monaco are also in the race but may reportedly be priced out.

Zaha wants to stay in Europe and play Champions League level football next season.

However, he is set to be offered lucrative deals by Saudi Arabian sides Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad that could tempt him away.