Loan star sets sights on becoming an Arsenal 'legend' | OneFootball

A first senior goal, a Champions League debut, life in a new league and a new country. Things have been moving fast for Reiss Nelson since he completed a deadline day loan move from Arsenal to Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.

And he’s loving it.

The 18-year-old has scored six times in seven Bundesliga appearances, earning him his first two England u21 call-ups.

However, his focus remains on Arsenal and returning to the club he’s represented for a decade.

“Arsenal are my boyhood club,” Nelson said in an interview with BBC Sport.

“I’ve been with them since I was eight, so that’s 10 years.

“I just want to go back there stronger because at the time I was at Arsenal I was 16, 17 and I didn’t feel confident.

“I didn’t think I was a man.”

That’s beginning to change with regular appearances in the Bundesliga.

Nelson – along with close friend Jadon Sancho – is certainly making an impression overseas.

The winger signed a new long-term Arsenal deal before completing the loan move in August and it’s clear his intention is to return to north London.

“Now I’m feeling stronger and I think a couple more months or even a year in Hoffenheim will make me strong and give me the belief and confidence to go back to Arsenal and do very good there.

“I want to be an Arsenal legend. And, for England, it’s the best. You can’t beat playing for your country I don’t think.”

Nelson is already on the radar of England boss Gareth Southgate, who mentioned his impressive run of form last week, but there’s plenty of competition to fight off for a place in the senior squad.

If he keeps playing as he has been, he won’t miss out for much longer.