Arsenal have started negotiations with Reiss Nelson over a new contract, following his crucial match-winning goal against Bournemouth, and the winger is keen to sign on.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal scores the team's third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal scores the team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on March 04, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Despite his limited appearances this season, Nelson’s has attracted interest from several clubs who are looking to sign him for free ahead of next season.

However, the academy graduate is making a strong case for a new contract with three goals and two assists in just 85 Premier League minutes this season.

After scoring the match-winning goal for Arsenal against Bournemouth, Nelson expressed his desire to stay with the 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.”

Arsenal's English midfielder Reiss Nelson (C) celebrates after scoring his team third goal of the team during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 4, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Reiss Nelson (C) celebrates after scoring his team third goal of the team during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 4, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Nelson has received offers from clubs in France, Germany, and Italy, but his focus is clearly still on securing a new deal with Arsenal.

“I am an Arsenal fan and, of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club. I am just going to be ready for anything I get now and give my all for the team,” he said.

Nelson has also spoken previously about his desire to extend his Arsenal contract, saying, “I feel like Arsenal is the club for me at this moment in time. I have been here for so long and I’m very comfortable here.

“Of course, I want to play games and I want to play week in, week out, but I feel like at this moment in time I am at a place where I am only going to get better. I am an Arsenal fan, and of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club.”

While Arsenal recognises Mikel Arteta’s plans to build something special, the amount of first-team football Nelson is likely to get will be a factor in the contract negotiations.

However, with his recent performances and his desire to stay, Arsenal fans will be hoping to see Nelson in red and white for years to come.

Tell me more about Reiss Nelson

Arsenal's English midfielder Reiss Nelson celebrates after scoring his team third goal of the team during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 4, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder Reiss Nelson celebrates after scoring his team third goal of the team during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 4, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Born on December 10, 1999, in London, the 23-year-old joined Arsenal’s youth academy at the age of eight and progressed through the ranks to become a first-team player. He made his senior debut for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger in 2017, at the age of 17, in a Europa League game against FC Koln.

Nelson has represented England at various youth levels, and he was part of the England under-17 team that won the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He has since gone on to play for the England U-19 and U-21 teams.

Despite being highly rated as a youngster, Nelson has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter for Arsenal, mainly due to injuries and competition for places in the team.

However, he has shown flashes of his potential with some impressive performances, notably in the Europa League and Conference League, where he has scored several goals.

Nelson has been loaned out twice during his Arsenal career so far.

In the 2018-19 season, he joined Bundesliga side Hoffenheim on a season-long loan. He impressed during his time in Germany, making 29 appearances and scoring seven goals. His performances earned him the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Month award for October 2018.

In the following season (2019-20), he returned to Arsenal but found game time limited, making just nine appearances in all competitions.

He was then loaned out again to Feyenoord.

During his loan spell in the Eredivisie, Nelson made 32 appearances for Feyenoord, scoring four goals and providing seven assists. He played 19 games as a right winger, but was also deployed as a left winger (12 games) and attacking midfielder (1 game).

Nelson’s performances were generally well-received by Feyenoord fans and the Dutch media. He was praised for his dribbling ability, technical skills, and creativity in the final third. However, he was also criticised at times for his decision-making and defensive work rate.

Despite his promising displays, Nelson was unable to help Feyenoord secure a top-three finish in the Eredivisie and qualify for the Champions League. The Rotterdam-based club finished fourth in the league, seven points behind third-placed PSV Eindhoven.