Reiss Nelson’s return to Arsenal this summer gave the impression that his time at the Emirates Stadium was coming to an end.
Nelson, who was once the star of the club’s academy, spent last season on loan at Feyenoord, and it was widely believed that he would be sold.
Such a possibility, however, was never in his thinking and instead he wanted to stay to fight for his future, even though his contract expires next summer.
What Did Nelson Have To Say About His Arsenal Time?
“I’ve never doubted myself at this football club,” says Nelson, who hopes his two goals against Nottingham Forest on Sunday will be the start of his Arsenal renaissance.
“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 has 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.”
The hope at Arsenal is that Nelson, 22, can finally realize the promise he had in his childhood. Nelson took both of his goals expertly against Forest.
Arteta coached a young Nelson when he was doing his coaching badges towards the end of his playing career.
When the Spaniard returned to Arsenal as head coach in 2019, he was quick to put Nelson into his first-team squad.
However, the winger failed to shine and he has since been overtaken by younger academy graduates Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Arteta, though, has not given up on Nelson and the fact he thrust him on against Forest on Sunday after Saka suffered an injury was telling.
Reiss Nelson makes his mark 💫#ARSNFO pic.twitter.com/PJrwt0eOj4
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 30, 2022
“I spoke with the boss before the start of the season and he was very clear with me,” said Nelson.
“He said he has seen a transition in my game and my attitude and just my whole profile as a player, which he really likes.
“And he wants to bring that into the team and he thinks that can really benefit the team, and there were no talks with me about leaving in the summer.”
Will Nelson Sign A New Arsenal Contract?
“I only have some months left on my contract but at this moment of time, getting a new deal, of course, that would be amazing and I would love to commit to the club,” Nelson said.
“But I’m just really, really focused on doing everything I can possible just to do the right stuff.
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“And if I get to play for the team to do well, of course, it’s hard coming in for 5-10 minutes and of course, I would love to play much, much longer.
“But any opportunity I get, I’m going to try and take and just do my very best and just keep helping the team really.”
Nelson certainly made the most of his opportunity on Sunday and he will hope it is the first of many.
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