Arsenal Academy Graduate Reiss Nelson Finally Agrees to New Contract

Reiss Nelson, West Ham, Arsenal, contract

According to latest reports, Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson has finally agreed in principle to sign a new contract with the club which will also include a major pay rise. The English right winger’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old hasn’t featured much for the Gunners this season, considering the success he has brought in the limited amount of game-time he has been given. The winger has only played 202 minutes in the 11 appearances he has made for the club in the Premier League this campaign (stats via Transfemarkt). He has scored 3 goals and bagged 2 assists in such short playing time, with a goal conversion rate of 68 minutes per goal.

Nelson’s best of this season was when he scored a last-second goal from the edge of the box to complete Arsenal’s comeback over Bournemouth and win the game 3-2. He has been a lively introduction from the bench most of the time and has put in fruitful contributions.

As reported by Daily Mail, Arsenal have made a breakthrough in negotiations with Reiss Nelson and the attacker has finally agreed to sign a new long-term contract in principle, which is understood to be around four years. He will reportedly receive a major pay rise from his current £60,000-per-week deal.

This resolution will put an end to months of speculation of the winger leaving the Emirates at the end of the season and the North London side will breathe a sigh of relief. He has always shown an inclination to stay at the club, despite having rejected two contract offers previously.

Arsenal had made their first offer to extend the contract with Reiss Nelson in May, but he refused the offer. He rejected the subsequent deal as well. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old always seemed inclined to remain with the Gunners and fight for his place, despite interest from other clubs in England as well as abroad.

🔴⚪️ | TRANSFERS: Nelson contract extension imminent.

📰: According to journalist Dean Jones, Reiss Nelson is still on course to sign a new contract at Arsenal.

🗣️ Jones: “Mikel Arteta seems on board with it, he’s completely happy with Reiss Nelson staying at the club, so at… pic.twitter.com/95njoHTDix

— Punch Drunk Arsenal (@PunchDrunkAFC) June 5, 2023

English clubs like Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, Aston Villa and West Ham United were all keeping tabs on the attacker’s situation as he drew closer to the end of his contract. Meanwhile, Serie A side AC Milan were also interested in signing the forward.

Should Arsenal Renew The Contract Ff Reiss Nelson?

Reiss Nelson spent one season on loan at Hoffenheim and one season on loan at Feyenoord. In both those seasons, he had decent displays considering he played 29 games for Hoffenheim and 32 games for Feyenoord. After returning from his loan, this was his best season at Arsenal despite very limited game time.

The 23-year-old forward prefers to play on the right wing. However, he uses his favoured right foot, resulting in managers using him on the left at times. Nevertheless, it should be noted that his strike against the Cherries came from his left foot meaning he can use his left foot when the situation demands.

Arsenal are looking for options on the right wing to give some rest to Bukayo Saka. He has played almost every game this season, resulting in a dip in form at the end stages of the campaign. Even if the Gunners do sign a right-winger, it would make sense to keep Reiss Nelson in the squad. However, game-time will be limited for the academy graduate.

The North London side will be back in the Champions League next season for the first time since 2016. They will be up against high-quality teams more than often in the next campaign. The core players like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka will need ample rest.

The Gunners manager Mikel Arteta could give Reiss Nelson the preference in the EFL Cup or FA Cup matches where the 23-year-old is capable of making a strong case for himself. Moreover, to play in all the competitions, the club would certainly need depth, else the outcome would be same as this season.

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