Arsenal are making progress in their talks to extend Reiss Nelson's contract at the Emirates Stadium with clubs from abroad showing transfer interest in the Hale End star. football.london reported at the start of March that the Gunners had opened talks with Nelson regarding extending his current deal that is set to expire in June this year.
The 23-year-old has proven to be a key player in Mikel Arteta's squad this season and hit the headlines following his dramatic 97th minute winner in the Premier League clash with Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium last month. Nelson has made just four appearances in the league so far this season but boasts an impressive record of three goals and two assists in just 102 minutes of action.
Despite the lack of game time though, Nelson has shown a desire to stay with the club where he has become a strong option for Arteta off the bench and when injuries have struck. His current deal is due to expire in the summer, but the Hale Ender's close relationship with Arteta is thought to be driving him to push for a stay at his boyhood club.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Arteta is happy to see Nelson stay at the Emirates Stadium with the two parties currently negotiating a contract extension. Romano added that clubs in Europe have shown an interest in signing the 23-year-old from Arsenal this summer, with the north Londoners set to move on a number of fringe players and bolster Arteta's squad heading into the new season.
When asked about his future in December, Nelson told football.london: "I’ve said a few times, I’ve been here since I was eight and I’m 23 now so I’ve been here a long time and I’m Arsenal through and through.
"So to be playing, even in games just like this I’m delighted. Of course injuries are just a minor set back, but of course I just look towards the future and hopefully I can play many more years at the club.
"I feel like I’m [in] contention. I’m getting minutes here and there which can only build my confidence and I feel like that’s something that I need to excel in the team because we’ve got a great team.
"If the boss wants me to play five minutes, 10 minutes or 90 minutes I’ll play with the same energy and same hunger throughout. I’ll just be there to help the team."
Nelson's attitude towards his role in the squad is brilliant for Arteta with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli arguably being undroppable given their recent form and importance to the team. The Arsenal boss seemingly has a soft spot for the 23-year-old after admitting he always saw potential in Nelson following his heroics against Bournemouth.
"I always saw the potential, the talent and the desire for him to do it, but he’s at a different level right now," he said in his post-match press conference.
"I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him. Football-wise, it was my decision in the last two games not to play him because we had other options. But he was knocking on the door, he’s been training really good and it’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him and that he can be really important for the team."
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