Nelson came off the bench and scored twice against Forest (Picture: Getty)
Reiss Nelson is eager to earn a new Arsenal contract by forcing his way into Mikel Arteta’s side this season.
The 22-year-old was summoned from the Gunners bench on Sunday afternoon against Nottingham Forest, coming onto replace the injured Bukayo Saka after 27 minutes in his first appearance of the season.
Nelson seized his chance in superb fashion, scoring twice and providing an assist in the opening 15 minutes as the second-half as Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a thumping 5-0 win.
The Londoner will now be hoping to offer Arteta another option in attack as the club look to maintain their lead at the summit of the league before the World Cup break.
Further down the line, Nelson’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season with the player determined to prove his worth.
‘I’ve never doubted myself at this football club,’ Nelson said following Sunday’s win. ‘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 have 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.
Nelson is in the final year of his contract (Picture: Getty)
‘I only have some months left on my contract. Getting a new deal would be amazing and I would love to commit to the club.
‘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 was linked with a move away from the Emirates during the summer but revealed talks with Arteta meant a transfer was never truly on the cards.
‘I spoke with the boss before the start of the season and he was very clear with me.
‘He said he’s 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.
‘He thinks that can really benefit the team and there was no talks with me about leaving in the summer.’
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The 22-year-old is in the final year of his current deal.
