Reiss Nelson has opened up on his bond with Arsenal and wants to sign a new contract with the club where he grew up.
Reiss Nelson has been a forgotten man at Arsenal for a few years now. After graduating from the famed Hale End academy, the winger has yet to make a significant impact since making a breakthrough into the first team. Since the 2017/18 season, the attacker has played a few games for the club, but his significant experience occurred in Germany.
In the 2018/19 season, Nelson moved to Hoffenheim and surprised many with his early form in the Bundesliga. He finished that season with seven goals in 23 league appearances. He had scored only once since returning, which was the match-winner against Liverpool inside an empty Emirates stadium.
Nelson’s two goals against Nottingham Forest was the first time he scored since that Liverpool game. The performance at the weekend has raised chatter around the winger—talks of a new contract circling social channels.
The winger’s contract at Arsenal expires in 2023. But he may get opportunities to show Arteta he is capable of meeting expectations.
The winger revealed his desire to continue with Arsenal and is eager to sign a new contract with the club. Nelson opened up about the bond he shares with the club. In his quotes on Daily Mirror, it’s clear how much he loves the team.
Nelson said, “I’ve never doubted myself at this football club. “Arsenal is a team that I’ve been at since I was eight years old, and I have a very strong bond and love for the club.
“Of course, there have been times where I’ve been a bit down when I haven’t played or been on the bench, but my plan has never been for me to leave the club or say that I have no future here and I will do everything possible to get there.
“I only have some months left on my contract, but at this moment, getting a new deal, of course, would be amazing. I would love to commit to the club.
“But I’m just really, really focused on doing everything I possible to do the right stuff, and if I get to play for the team to do well, of course, it’s hard coming in for 5-10 minutes, and of course, I would love to play much, much longer.
“But any opportunity I get, I’m going to try and take and just do my very best and just keep helping the team really.”
Nelson has played 52 times for Arsenal, scoring six times so far. He might be getting another chance to start a game for Arsenal when they host FC Zurich at the Emirates on Thursday.
Whether his displays warrant a new contract will get more evident in the coming months. However, if Nelson continues to perform at the top level, the Gunners will undoubtedly look to extend his stay.
