Exclusive: Major Reiss Nelson issue facing Arsenal as pressure grows on Mikel Arteta over star

Arsenal have a big problem on their hands over Reiss Nelson TEAMtalk has been told, with the winger likely to go against Mikel Arteta’s wishes over his future.

The 23-year-old Londoner is out of contract in a matter of months and free to sign for a club of his choosing. But having reminded Arsenal of his qualities with his sublime winner against Bournemouth last week, Arteta is desperate for him to stay.

Indeed, Nelson boasts an excellent record when called upon for the Gunners this season. He has three goals and three assists to his name from just nine appearances in all competitions.

And with many of those coming as impact substitutes, Nelson has an incredible record of a goal involvement every 151 minutes he has played this season.

But the problem for Nelson is that, while he would like to stay, he does not feel he gets the game-time his talent deserves.

Currently behind Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard in the pecking order, Nelson’s struggle for action is not lost on the player.

And there is a feeling that his progress is being stunted by a lack of minutes under Arteta.

Herein lies the problem. Nelson will not commit to the new deal Arsenal are offering him until he gets more minutes.

But Arteta is loathe to chop and change too much when his side are chasing down the title.

They are in action at Fulham on Sunday looking for a win to restore a five-point lead at the summit.

And the amount of minutes Nelson gets between now and the end of the season will seriously impact his decision.

READ MORE: Arsenal no closer to contract breakthrough with Reiss Nelson as five Prem rivals circle

Arteta has big Arsenal dilemma over Reiss Nelson

Picking up the story, Graeme Bailey has explained the issue facing Arteta, and why, as it stands, the player looks likely to leave unless his situation changes.

“Reiss Nelson was the toast of the Emirates last week as he fired home the most unlikeliest of winners against Bournemouth,” he said.

“But there remains a huge question mark over his long-term future. Mikel Arteta wants the homegrown product to stay, but at 23 he is far from assured of much game time.

“That is the main issue Arsenal face. The only thing they can do is offer hm a contract. But what they can’t do is offer him guarantees over playing time.

“I understand nearly half the Premier League have an interest in him, as well as teams abroad. The player is considering his options.

“Of course he wants to remain at his hometown club. But in reality – and in terms of his future progression – he may very well decide his future lies elsewhere.”

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