Arsenal have reportedly opened talks with the representatives of Reiss Nelson over a new contract for the English attacker.
The 23-year-old has largely played a bit-part role for the Gunners during the current campaign due to the strong form of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in the wide areas.
However, Nelson has provided invaluable contributions when called upon, scoring three goals and providing two assists in four Premier League appearances off the bench.
The Hale End graduate scored twice and provided an assist during a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in October after Saka suffered an injury, before sending the Emirates Stadium into pandemonium against Bournemouth last month.
With Mikel Arteta's men staring down the barrel of defeat, Nelson provided an assist for Ben White's equaliser before firing home a 97th-minute winner to complete a sensational turnaround and keep the Gunners in control of the title race.
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Nelson's existing contract in North London expires at the end of the season, though, and he is not expected to be short of offers if he departs for nothing this summer.
However, journalist Fabrizio Romano now reports that negotiations over a new contract have begun, and Arteta would be willing to keep Nelson on the books for a little while longer.
A host of European clubs are said to be keeping tabs on Nelson's future with a view to a possible free transfer, while Brighton & Hove Albion have also been linked with a move for the former England youth international.
While enjoying regular minutes during Arsenal's winter friendlies, Nelson expressed his desire to remain with his boyhood club, telling reporters: "I've been here since I was eight and Arsenal is all I know.
"I'm only a couple of minutes from the stadium, all my family is there. So of course I'd love to stay. I'm 23 now so I've been here a long time and I'm Arsenal through and through.
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"So to be playing, even in games just like this [friendlies], I'm delighted. Of course injuries are just a minor setback, but of course I just look towards the future and hopefully I can play many more years at the club."
The 23-year-old - who joined the Arsenal academy back in 2007 - has now represented the Gunners on 59 occasions in all tournaments, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in that time.
Injuries have restricted Nelson to just 11 appearances during the 2022-23 season, though, and he has started a mere five games in all tournaments - four in the Europa League and one in the EFL Cup.
Arsenal hold an eight-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and return to action away to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
Ben Knapton
