Arsenal: New Reiss Nelson contract absolutely pivotal

Per a report from The Daily Telegraph, Arsenal are nearing a contract extension with Reiss Nelson. That is absolutely pivotal for the future of player and club.

It was undoubtedly exciting to see Reiss Nelson make his first Premier League start on Sunday. The young midfielder, who burst onto the wider-public scene last summer with a series of blistering performances during the pre-season, has had to wait patiently for his league opportunities. And we have waited with him.

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It’s fair to say that there was a great degree of excitement and anticipation surrounding his featuring. While he had played fairly frequently in the Europa League, Carabao Cup and only FA Cup match, it still wasn’t quite the same level as the Premier League.

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In fact, prior to the weekend, Nelson had only played in one substitute appearance in the league constituting just 18 minutes. And that was starting to grate on the young man. There had been musings of a possible departure in recent months as the likes of Marcus McGuane and Chris Willock sought their development away from north London. He then cast a rather forlorn and frustrated figure as first Jack Wilshere and then Danny Welbeck were brought on against Watford with the game already wrapped up. Nelson’s Arsenal future, almost before it had ever begun, was in doubt.

Thankfully, then, in the aftermath of the adrenaline and enthusiasm that presumably comes with making your first start in the biggest domestic league in the world, it seems as though Nelson is readying to sign a new long-term contract, tying down his increasingly uncertain future. That is pivotal, both for Nelson and for the Gunners.

Choosing your club at 18 is one of the most important decisions that a young player can make. The two or three-year graduation from youth to senior football is perhaps the most significant in a player’s career. It is where many extremely talented individuals fail to ever establish, falling between the cracks, eventually tumbling down the leagues and sometimes out of the sport altogether.

Nelson is trusting in Arsene Wenger, assuming that he remains at the Emirates, to guide his career, protect him when he needs to protect him, teach him the aspects of the game that need to be taught, and throw him into the fire enough times that he will learn without burning himself too greatly. This is a pivotal moment for him.

But it is also a pivotal moment for the club. Nelson is one of the most naturally gifted players to have come through this academy in history. You could make an argument that he is the best since Jack Wilshere. You could even make an argument that he is the best in Wenger’s tenure. Perhaps that is a step too ambitious, but the point still stands: He has the quality for a starring career, one that could reinvigorate this Arsenal team.

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And so, Nelson’s seeming decision to stay at Arsenal is crucial, both for him and for the club. Let’s hope that it pays off.