Rising star Reiss Nelson eyeing new contract at Arsenal after first Premier League start

The 18-year-old started Sunday's 3-2 win over Southampton having the featured in all of the Gunners' Europa League group matches so far

Reiss Nelson is hopeful of a bright future at the Emirates (Arsenal FC)

Rising star Reiss Nelson is hopeful of signing a new Arsenal contract after making his full Premier League debut this weekend.

The 18-year-old started Sunday's 3-2 win over Southampton having the featured in all of the Gunners' Europa League group matches so far.

That competition is becoming increasingly important to manager Arsene Wenger as it presents the only chance to win silverware and the most probable way of returning to the Champions League given they are 13 points adrift from the top four in the Premier League.

The Frenchman has therefore started to rest key individuals before European fixtures, making seven changes for the game against Saints from the side that beat CSKA Moscow 4-1 in the first-leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.

Nelson was one of the players to come into the side and, having achieved such a landmark, he is now keen to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

"It is a big achievement to sign for a big club like Arsenal so I'm just delighted with the contract and hopeful that I can sign it soon," he said. "I did set one target - to make my first-team debut. I have done that, I have had 15 appearances.

"A Premier League start was on the cards but I think I need to score, that is the only one I haven't achieved so fingers crossed I can get a cheeky goal before the end of the season.

"I think a first-team start in the Premier League at a high level like this is always a step forward. I've just got to thank the boss and all my team-mates around me, pushing me and making me work harder and harder."

Nelson admits he is enjoying the tutelage of working under Wenger and he could yet make up part of the squad which travels to Russia this week for the second leg against CSKA.

Nelson impressed on his full debut (Arsenal FC)

"He is one of the biggest (influences) for me, he keeps pushing the youngsters - me, Eddie (Nketiah) and Joe (Willock) - I think he has got a bight future planned for us," added Nelson.

"We just have to keep training well and I think - with a boss like that - he is always going to push us and will give us first-team football when the opportunities arise."