‘Amazing’: ‘Special’ player insists that he really doesn’t want to leave Arsenal

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Reiss Nelson has said he wants to push on and secure a new contract at Arsenal after his weekend masterclass against Nottingham Forest.

Bukayo Saka went off injured in the first half of that game but it handed Nelson an opportunity to impress and he took it with both hands.

He netted twice and secured an assist in the 5-0 victory, which could be a springboard to rejuvenate his career at the Emirates Stadium.

Nelson told the Evening Standard that is exactly what he is hoping to do, with his contract entering its final months as it stands.

Nelson on Arsenal future

He said: “I’ve never doubted myself at this football club. 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.

“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.

“But I’m just really, really focused on doing everything I can possible just to do the right stuff. 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 got his first Arsenal start of the season on away against Bodo/Glimt last month but his failure to impress led to this writer claiming he may have moved closer to the Arsenal exit door in January.

But that Forest display may mean that claim is wide of the mark, and it remains to be seen whether Nelson will sign a new Gunners deal.

Arteta has called Nelson ‘special‘ recently, and put him in his first ever Arsenal starting XI, ahead of record signing Nicolas Pepe.

Arsenal need to replace Pepe, who is out on loan at Nice and perhaps Nelson could be the man to do it if he keeps this form going.