Arsenal’s recruitment team have urged Reiss Nelson to focus on the U21 European Championships after returning from his loan at Hoffenheim.
Despite starting just five Bundesliga games, Nelson managed seven goals during his season-long loan spell before returning to the Emirates with a first team place set in his sights.
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With Alex Iwobi the only natural winger at his disposal last season, Unai Emery has highlighted the wide areas as in need of urgent attention over the summer and Nelson will surely see himself as under consideration.
But the youngster admits he has been told to focus on representing England at this summer’s U21 European Championships before thinking about his role at Arsenal next season.
Nelson told Sky Sports News: “Arsenal is my main goal.
“After the Euros, I’ll look to go back to pre-season, do that very strong and hopefully play for the team I love.”
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“I haven’t spoken to him [Unai Emery] yet. The recruitment team said I need to concentrate on the Euros and then we’ll get back into Arsenal later on.”
Arsenal and a career in English football may be Nelson’s long-term aim but the winger is still grateful for the experience he gained in Germany last season, highlighting the physical differences between the two country’s leagues.
“It’s a different style the way the German players play,” he added. “I think the English players like to play a lot of one and two touch and we can find each other in the pockets.
“In Germany, it’s more physical. It’s a lot of aggressive runs in behind and getting into the box. I was happy I got that experience out there and I’m happy to be back.
“I learnt a lot on the pitch and I’ve had to deal with a lot off the pitch as well – the culture, the German [language] barrier, but I thought all in it has been a good experience and I’m ready to come back.”
Nelson’s Hoffenheim loan: Five key things to know…
- After playing 16 times for Arsenal in 2017/18, Nelson spent last term on loan at Hoffenheim.
- The 19-year-old started just five Bundesliga games…
- But still managed seven goals at a rate of one every 90 minutes.
- Only Alphonso Davies (1.22) Paco Alcacer (1.35) and Corentin Tolisso (1.73) had a better scoring rate.
- Nelson has now returned to the Emirates looking to nail down a first-team place.