Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson has come through the academy – but despite his last-gasp goal on Saturday, he's out of contract at the end of the season
(Image credit: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
Arsenal are to open talks with Reiss Nelson over a new deal at the Emirates Stadium, following the 23-year-old's blockbuster winning goal against Bournemouth at the weekend.
Nelson, who graduated through the club's famed Hale End academy, has struggled with injuries and earning consistent game-time since making his debut under Arsene Wenger in 2018. After loan spells in Europe at Hoffenheim under Julian Nagelsmann and Feyenoord under Arne Slot, he was expected to leave last summer – but again suffered an injury setback.
Despite his contract coming to a close at the end of this season and six other options in the Arsenal side ahead of him now, though, Nelson has still earned minutes in the Europa League and before the Bournemouth fixture, netted twice off the bench against Nottingham Forest.
The Emirates Stadium descended into pandemonium following Reiss Nelson's dramatic winner (Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
With Nelson a free agent in the summer, however, the Mail says that, "discussions over an extension are underway, with hope growing that the intention from all parties is to agree on a deal for Nelson to stay."
The report also claims that "Arsenal are confident the winger wants to remain in north London, raising hope that a positive resolution can be found."
Arteta has consistently brought Nelson into the side when fit and even started him in his first game in management – another fixture against Bournemouth in December 2019.
The winger was hugely rated as a youth player at the Hale End academy and played alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho in the England youth set-up. The goal prompted Ian Wright to tell Match of the Day viewers, "I'm so happy for Reiss after everything that has happened to him at Arsenal," in reference to his struggles for consistency.
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Reiss Nelson could be rewarded with a new contract after being the hero against Bournemouth (Image credit: Getty Images)
The contract offer would certainly suggest that in the mid-term at least, Nelson is a part of Arteta's plans – though an extension to his deal would protect his value, should Arsenal wish to sell. West Ham United and Crystal Palace have been linked with the star.
Nelson is valued at just €7 million by Transfermarkt.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
