Arsenal academy star Reiss Nelson confirms contract offer

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Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson is reportedly close to signing a new contract with the north London club after the forward made his full Premier League debut against Southampton on Sunday. 

Nelson, who is an England U19 international, has been hailed as one of the best talents to emerge from Arsenal’s academy since Jack Wilshere.

And the 18-year-old is relishing his opportunity to kick on in north London, telling Sky Sports: “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.

“I did set one target – to make my first-team debut. I have done that, I have had 15 appearances.

“A Premier League start was on the cards but I think I need to score, that is the only one I haven’t achieved so fingers crossed I can get a cheeky goal before the end of the season,” added the young forward.

“I think a first-team start in the Premier League at a high level like this is always a step forward. I’ve just got to thank the boss and all my team-mates around me, pushing me and making me work harder and harder.” NaijaBet.com

Nelson is enjoying working under Arsene Wenger, and the Englishman could be included in the squad that travels to Moscow on Thursday.

“He (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,” Nelson added.

“We just have to keep training well and I think – with a boss like that – he is always going to push us and will give us first-team football when the opportunities arise.” NaijaBet.com

Whether Wenger’s plans for the youngsters are realised remains to be seen, as rumours around the Frenchman’s future at the club persist following a poor season in the league.

Arsenal fans are also clamouring for Wenger’s departure, and their disdain for the current regime is being reflected in the stands at the Emirates, which are relatively empty for league games.

Arsenal’s last chance for silverware and probably their only avenue to the Champions League next season is in the Europa League. They play CSKA Moscow in the second leg of their quarter-final tie on Thursday – they lead the Russians 4-1 on aggregate.