“Mikel is a coach that I need right now” Arsenal winger declares his wish for a new contract
There are countless debates about Arsenal needing to expedite contract extensions, particularly for our top youngsters Saliba, Saka, and Martinelli, but they all still have at least 18 months remaining on their existing Arsenal contracts.
Few, though, are discussing Arsenal Academy graduate Reiss Nelson, whose contract expires this summer and who will be free to negotiate with international clubs during the January transfer window.
Mikel Arteta opted to keep the 22-year-old at the Emirates in the summer to give him one last opportunity to prove that he has the ability to play for the Gunners, and it is very clear that Reiss Nelson wants to remain with Arsenal for as long as possible.
The Londoner recently paid out of pocket to have his old school pitch fitted with the latest astroturf, and during the opening he gave an interview to Standard Sport in which he made his priorities clear:
“I feel like Arsenal is the club for me at this moment in time,”
“I have been here for so long and I’m very comfortable here.
“Of course, I want to play games and I want to play week in, week out, but I feel like at this moment in time I am at a place where I am only going to get better.
“I feel someone like Mikel is a coach that I need right now in my career, in terms of taking me to the next step.
“My head is not focusing on whether I need to get a team in January or talking to other teams, or doing this or that. It’s literally, how can I perform at the highest of heights when I get the opportunity?
“I am an Arsenal fan and, of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club. I am just going to be ready for anything I get now and give my all for the team.”
Nelson has nothing but admiration for the atmosphere Arteta has fostered among the players, so it’s no surprise that he wants to remain!
“The atmosphere around the training ground is just so alive,” he says. “Everyone just wants the best for each other.
Having a team where everyone can speak freely, whether positive or negative, is very remarkable.
“Everyone is really caring. That’s another thing, a lot of changing rooms they just want results but they don’t care about individuals and how people are. I feel like at this club everyone genuinely cares for each other and wants the best for each other.”
“He does a lot of things off the pitch in terms of team bonding,” says Nelson. “It’s so important to have a manager that understands there is life off the pitch.”
“Mikel is a coach that I need right now” Arsenal winger declares his wish for a new contract
