Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is 'in a good position' regarding his future in north London and doesn't need to make any decisions over a new contract just yet, according to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth.
The Hale End graduate has featured just four times for the Gunners this season and has contributed towards three goals - all coming off the bench against Nottingham Forest last weekend. With Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli preferred ahead of him by Arteta, the winger faces an increasingly uncertain future.
He will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with foreign clubs in January over a free transfer at the end of the season if he fails to pen an extension at London Colney. Whilst there has been no concrete interest linking with a move away, his long-term future will be at the forefront of his mind across the next few months.
READ MORE: Josh Kroenke can complete three Arsenal transfers after Emirates Stadium visit
After his impressive performance last weekend, Nelson revealed his intentions of remaining at the club. "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, very strong bond and love for the club. Of course, there's 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."
And speaking to GiveMeSport, Sheth has insisted Nelson finds himself in a strong position regarding his future and could depart if he is not given regular game time this season. He said: “It’ll be really, really interesting to see what happens in the next few months – whether talks are underway, whether he actually wants to stay, whether he actually sees his long-term future at Arsenal or whether he’s just going to see out the season and then weigh up all of his options.
“He’s in a good position because he can just wait. He doesn’t have to sign anything just now and he can see for the remainder of the season whether he’s going to get these opportunities.
“If he is, then he’s got a decision to make. If he isn’t, then he’s none the wiser than he was before and he could just say, ‘it’s actually not for me, I’m going to leave on a free transfer.”
Earlier this season, Gunners boss Arteta suggested that Nelson can '100%' earn himself a new contract at N7 this season. "Yeah, 100%," said Arteta when asked by football.london if Nelson still has a chance of signing a new deal.
"That is why he is here, because we want to have that opportunity with him. He was willing to take that opportunity and again it’s down to him to show it now on the pitch.
"Out there [in training], he is showing it every day, how he is working, a lot of things that he has changed and improved in many things that in our opinion could have been better. Now he is on the right track, now he needs to perform."
READ NEXT:
What Aaron Ramsdale did in Emirates Stadium tunnel ahead of Zurich that Arsenal fans will love
Arsenal player ratings vs FC Zurich - Tierney's Chelsea claim, Lokonga impresses, Jesus angst
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta responds to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's four-word Chelsea call out
Tomiyasu, Saka, Tierney: Arsenal injury news and who will miss Chelsea Premier League clash
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Tomiyasu injury update, Europa League reaction, Chelsea call
