Mikel Arteta handed major boost as Arsenal open talks with 'top player'

Arsenal have opened talks with Reiss Nelson over a new contract, according to reports.

Nelson stole the headlines during Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

The winger was introduced to the action in the 70th minute, replacing Emile Smith Rowe, and proceeded to completely change the game.

He set up Ben White to level the scores before scoring a stunning last gasp winner, descending the Emirates into chaos.

However, the match-winning performance thrust his future into the spotlight, with his contract set to run out in June.

Arsenal open contract talks with Nelson

There has been a degree of uncertainty surrounding Nelson's future in north London.

But in a major boost for Gunners fans, talks over a new contract are underway, claim the Daily Mail.

The reports states that there is an intention from all parties is to agree on a deal for Nelson to stay.

Whilst the club are allegedly 'confident' of the winger's desire to stay in north London.

Nelson scored twice in the Gunners 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest in October, raising hopes that he could establish himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta.

However, his progress was halted by a thigh injury, with Nelson's impressive cameo on Saturday the player's first appearance of 2023.

The winger currently has the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, Saturday's performance will boost his chances of more minutes this campaign.

The 23-year-old joined Arsenal's academy at the age of eight, making his senior debut in 2017 - but he has only made nine Premier League appearances since.

Former striker Alexandre Lacazette raved about Nelson in 2017, stating that he would become a 'top player' at the Emirates.

The Frenchman told the Arsenal website: “I think Reiss is very good. I believe he will be a top player for the club. He already impressed me during pre-season and it's great to see what he's been doing for the under-23s.

"His stats are very good and he's been performing well. When he's played with us, he's shown that he has real quality."