Arsenal ace should question his future after Arteta’s pre-Brighton comments

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Mikel Arteta has praised Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson for his recent form.

Reiss Nelson was the standout performer in Arsenal’s recent 1-1 draw with PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League group stage fixture.

The Hale End academy graduate produced an energetic performance, popping up all over the pitch and showing a determination to make positive things happen in the final third. There was also end product to match the endeavour, as he provided the assist for Eddie Nketiah’s goal.

He certainly caught the eye of many Arsenal fans with his display in the Netherlands. Many supporters now want to see him move up in the pecking order and get more game time. This could mean Nelson becoming the first choice rotation option for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, instead of Leandro Trossard. As a quick and skilful right-footer, Nelson could replicate Martinelli’s tactical function in the side. 

Mikel Arteta has always seemed reluctant to rely too heavily on Nelson. So far this season, the 24-year-old has been restricted to 13 appearances across all competitions. Only six of those outings have come in the Premier League, and they have all been from the bench, and generally very late on in matches. 

Mikel Arteta misses chance to offer hope to Reiss Nelson

Off the back of his performance against PSV, though, Nelson may be hoping to feature more heavily in the manager’s plans going forward. However, Arteta’s latest comments don’t offer great deal of encouragement for the player who has been on the books at the club since he was nine-years-old.

In his press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Brighton, Arteta was asked what he made of Nelson’s last display and whether the player is likely to get more game time in the coming weeks.

As quoted by the club’s official website, the Spanish coach replied, “I think he had a really good game. As you said, he was really lively and really brave in his decision-making. He generated three or four big situations. He worked so hard and he had to be subbed at the end because he was cramping. I think he had a really positive impact on the team.”

Arteta was quick to credit Nelson for his performance, but neglected to mention the prospect of more game time at all. This suggests that Nelson’s place in the pecking order is as it was.

Considering Trossard has not been at his best in recent weeks, this must be a bitter pill for Nelson to swallow, and may well leave him questioning his long-term future at the club. If he can’t even play his way into contention, then there is surely nothing he can do to get the minutes he needs. He may well decide that moving on from the Emirates Stadium is his best option at this stage.