In a recent segment with Caughtoffside, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano offered an update on the future of Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson. It is understood that the Gunners are currently holding talks with the English talent’s representatives for a contract extension with his current deal running out in the summer.
Nelson’s Sporadic Role At The Emirates Stadium This Season
Nelson has settled for playing a limited role at Arsenal this season as he has often found himself behind Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in Mikel Arteta’s pecking order. The 23-year-old has registered three goals and three assists in 11 appearances for the Gunners during this campaign across various competitions.
The English sensation has made all of his league appearances off the bench but deserves credit for averaging 1.5 shots, 1.5 key passes and 0.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even been tidy when interchanging possession with his teammates after making 91.5% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Nelson is under contract at the North London club until the summer of 2023. Thus, Arteta has to find a way to tie him down to a new contract or else risk losing him as a free agent at the end of this campaign.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Keep Hold Of Nelson?
Nelson can use his quickness to make a few driving runs with the ball out on the wide areas. He can be a hard man to stop when he is running in full swing and can contribute by scoring and creating some important goals for his team. Nelson is primarily a right-sided wide player but can also fill in as a left-winger or operate in the number ten position if his manager asks him to do so.
However, the English playmaker has still got a lot of room for improvement before he is ready to taste regular first-team football. Still, there is no denying that Nelson has what it takes to nail down a regular starting spot at the Emirates Stadium in the not-too-distant future.
Therefore, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta would be wise to keep hold of Nelson for the long run as he could help the Gunners challenge for some major trophies over the next decade.
