Goal hero Nelson ponders new deal

ARSENAL have opened contract talks with weekend hero Reiss Nelson as they also face an investigation into the celebrations sparked by his winner against Bournemouth. The winger’s future is uncertain with his deal expiring at the end of the season, but discussions over an extension are underway, with hopes growing that he will stay.

Arsenal are confident Nelson wants to remain in north

London and that a positive resolution can be found. But a number of clubs are keeping tabs on the attacker with a view to signing him on a summer free transfer. He scored a euphoric winner in the seventh minute of injury-time as the Gunners came from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth and maintain their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Nelson also scored twice in the 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in October, raising hopes that he may feature more regularly. Progress was stunted by a thigh injury though, with the cameo on Saturday his first appearance of 2023.

The 23-year-old came through the ranks at Arsenal before making his first-team debut in 2017, but has only made nine Premier League appearances. While there is a recognition that boss Mikel Arteta is building something special at the Emirates, the amount of football Nelson will get is a big factor in contract talks. The FA were yesterday reviewing referee Andrew Madley’s report as they decide whether to launch a probe into the frenzied goal celebrations. Meanwhile, there is hope Leandro Trossard has not sustained a serious injury after limping off with a groin problem on Saturday.