Reiss Nelson may have provided a vital goal and assist for Arsenal on Saturday, but his long-term future remains up in the air.
Entering the fray with Arsenal 2-1 down to Bournemouth on Saturday, Reiss Nelson had the ideal impact on the game.
Within seconds, the winger had set up Ben White’s equaliser for 2-2, and late in injury time he added a winning goal to leave the Arsenal fans delirious.
Yet Nelson’s contract situation remains unresolved. He has a deal lasting until the end of the season, but he’s currently free to leave after that.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Nelson’s future will be decided soon, adding that the 23-year-old would love to stay.
But 90min claim an agreement with Arsenal isn’t close, and though talks are set to continue, the likes of Brentford, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Everton, and Southampton are showing an interest from around the Premier League.
Then there’s Championship leaders Burnley, and Nelson has also received offers from clubs in France, Germany, and Italy.
All the same, it seems the player’s focus is still on Arsenal, and on securing a new deal with his boyhood club.
“Of course (I want to stay),” Nelson said. “I’ve been here since I was eight and Arsenal is all I know. I’m only a couple of minutes from the stadium, all my family is there. So of course I’d love to stay.
“To be playing, even in games just like this I’m delighted. Of course, injuries are just a minor setback, but of course, I just look towards the future and hopefully, I can play many more years at the club.”
“As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result,” Nelson added. “It’s a great moment for me. I have been here all my life and it means a lot to me. I’m just happy. I’m delighted.”
If Nelson can continue to play such a pivotal role for Arsenal between now and the end of the season, it’s hard to see why the club wouldn’t offer him a new deal.
With three goals and two assists in just 84 Premier League minutes this campaign, the academy graduate is certainly making his case.
But after a while out of action, the former England u21 international may also need to prove he can stay fit.
For now, Nelson has earned the chance to bask a little in the glow of Saturday’s win. Pretty soon he’ll be turning his eyes to a potential start away to Sporting CP on Thursday.