Mertesacker claims Reiss Nelson 'will be brilliant' for Arsenal | OneFootball

Per Mertesacker believes Reiss Nelson’s loan move to Hoffenheim will prove to be ‘brilliant’ for Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has scored five goals in the Bundesliga already and has impressed in Germany.

Mertesacker, Arsenal’s former centre-back and now head of the Academy and youth development, believes the move has been hugely beneficial for Nelson and hopes other youngsters take similar opportunities.

“It was the best decision for him to go there,” Mertesacker told Arsenal’s official matchday programme. “When you compare the Bundesliga to the Premier League, there are similarities but there are differences.

“At the moment the Bundesliga suits him, and he went to a club where they are used to bringing up young players, educating young players and giving young players a chance in their first team.

“Reiss is getting out of the comfort zone he was in at Arsenal, so the loan system should work brilliantly for us. Some Bundesliga clubs are very interesting for us.

“Through scoring those goals, he gained trust from the coach, from the fans, by learning some German and earning the right to start and make an impact.

“I think he has done a brilliant job but that all fell into place because he wanted to go. He had a great opportunity but you need to take these opportunities and make sure you learn from those moments. Instead of being a first-team player between the under-23s and the first team, this is something different.

Reports have suggested Nelson’s form could see him return in January though it is expected Arsenal will allow him to complete the temporary spell in the Bundesliga.