Contract talks are now underway for an Arsenal star who Mikel Arteta is keen on keeping at the club for the foreseeable future.
The Gunners have had an excellent season and Arteta wants to keep this current group together. They sit eight points clear at the top and the squad morale is at an all-time high.
Reiss Nelson is out of contract in the summer, but talks have now begun over a new deal. The 23-year-old is a popular player within the Arsenal fanbase and this will surely come as good news.
He has missed a chunk of this season through injury but has done well when he has featured. Perhaps his finest moment of the season so far was his 97th minute winner against Bournemouth.
All four of his league appearances have come from the bench in this campaign, but he still has five goal contributions in that time.
He has been given more opportunities in cup competitions, particularly the Europa League where he has played just shy of 300 minutes so far.
“Understand negotiations are currently underway between Arsenal and Reiss Nelson representatives for a contract extension,” Fabrizio Romano explained.
“Arteta would be happy to keep Reiss, while more European clubs are showing interest in potential free transfer.”
Nelson’s versatility and ability to play on either flank makes him a useful player for Arteta. A new deal would also protect his value and allow the Gunners to cash in on him later down the line.
Across all competitions this season he has played 492 minutes of football and has made 11 appearances. In that time, he has scored three goals and has three assists.
Nelson has a big decision to make
While signing a new deal might seem like a no brainier for some, Nelson has a big decision to make. Despite being a fan favourite, he is by no means a first team regular.
Now 23 years old, Nelson will want to take that next step in his career and establish himself as a regular starter. Throughout his Arsenal career he has made a total of 59 appearances.
He also spent time on loan with the likes of 1899 Hoffenheim and Feyenoord where he was given more first team opportunities.
Graeme Bailey told TeamTalk last month that the Gunners face a dilemma with Nelson over his game time.
“Mikel Arteta wants the homegrown product to stay, but at 23 he is far from assured of much game time,” he said.
“That is the main issue Arsenal face. The only thing they can do is offer hm a contract. But what they can’t do is offer him guarantees over playing time.
“I understand nearly half the Premier League have an interest in him, as well as teams abroad. The player is considering his options.
“Of course he wants to remain at his hometown club. But in reality – and in terms of his future progression – he may very well decide his future lies elsewhere.”
