Reiss Nelson Arsenal 2018-19Getty Images

Arsenal youngster Nelson set for Hoffenheim loan

Arsenal starlet Reiss Nelson is expected to join Hoffenheim on a season-long loan deal, Goal understands.

The 18-year-old is out of contract next summer but is set to sign a new deal with Unai Emery's side ahead of his temporary move to Germany.

With the likes of Alex Iwobi and Danny Welbeck favoured above Nelson in the pecking order at Emirates Stadium, he has made the decision to move in an attempt to secure regular first-team football.

And he will follow his compatriot Jadon Sancho, who joined Borussia Dortmund last year after leaving Manchester City and is quickly becoming one of the top young players in Germany's top flight.

Nelson was awarded the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award last season following his 10 goals which saw Arsenal win the league at that level.

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The England youth international had appeared all set to agree new contract with the Gunners having initially signed professional terms with the club in December 2016.

Speaking of his hope to sign a new deal, he said in April 2017: "It is a big achievement to sign for a big club like Arsenal so I’m just delighted with the contract and hopeful can sign it soon.

"I did set one target – to make my first-team debut. I have done that, I have had 15 appearances.

"A Premier League start was on the cards but I think I need to score, that is the only one I haven’t achieved, so fingers crossed I can get a cheeky goal before the end of the season."

Highly-rated Nelson made his Premier league debut against Crystal Palace in January and made a total of 16 appearances in all competitions last season.

Emery gave the 18-year-old opportunities in pre-season, with Nelson scoring in Arsenal's final friendly - a 2-0 victory over Lazio - before their Premier League campaign got under way.

He has, however, failed to make the squad for any of the club's opening three games of the season and is seemingly not part of Emery's plans for the coming season.

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