Reiss Nelson to pen new Arsenal deal

In a Premier League season that has seen Arsenal’s roster change dramatically since day one, it looks like they are on the verge of securing the future of up-and-coming starlet Reiss Nelson, as the club and the player are set to agree to a new contract in the near future. The news comes fresh on the heels of Nelson’s league debut in the Gunners’ 3-2 victory against Southampton at the Emirates over the weekend which saw the youngster start in the Arsenal midfield before being subbed off in the second half for Jack Wilshere.

The 18-year-old England national and Arsenal youth academy product has been something of a revelation this season, and one of the few positives from an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Making 15 appearances across all competitions this season, he and fellow youth stars Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have all shown great promise in their limited roles and renewed faith in the Arsenal academy.

This news should come as great relief to Arsenal fans, as Reiss Nelson’s skills and potential have not gone unnoticed across the footballing world. European giants Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid had both been rumored to have been expressing interest in the former Arsenal U-23 player, but to no avail. Staving off the siren call of the big money clubs is hard to do in an era that has seen wages and transfer fees skyrocket, but Arsenal have appeared to have done just that.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, Nelson echoed sentiments that have been made by many players before him with a telling quote about the impact Arsene Wenger has had on him as a player and his decision to stay with the club.

Wenger is one of the biggest [influences] for me, he keeps pushing the youngsters — me, Eddie [Nketiah] and Joe [Willock] - I think he has got a bright future planned for us.

His excitement about the deal, the details of which are not yet known, was also on full display in the interview.

It is a big achievement to sign for a big club like Arsenal so I’m just delighted with the contract and hopeful that I can sign it soon.

Regardless of how the season will play out, Arsenal appear to have secured a victory with this bit of contract news.