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    Arsenal ‘open new contract talks with Reiss Nelson’ after match-winning heroics kept Premier League title hopes alive

    ARSENAL have opened contract talks with Reiss Nelson, according to reports.The 23-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season.
    Nelson is expected to sign a new deal with ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    But Nelson has made it clear that he wants to stay in north London beyond the summer.
    According to The Daily Mail, new contract talks have now opened and Arsenal are confident that an agreement will be reached relatively quickly.
    The intention is for all parties to agree on a deal which will see the winger remain at the Emirates Stadium for the foreseeable future.
    Nelson stunned Arsenal fans when he scored an incredible last-minute winner against Bournemouth on Saturday.
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    The Gunners found themselves 1-0 down just 10 seconds into the clash after Philip Billing fired Bournemouth into the lead with the second-fastest Premier League goal of all time.
    Marcos Senesi then doubled the advantage shortly after half time.
    But, the Gunners kicked off the comeback when Thomas Partey scored with 30 minutes to go.
    Ben White then claimed his first Arsenal goal in dramatic style to draw the club level again.
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    And with a matter of seconds remaining in extra time, super-sub Nelson fired home an incredible strike into the top right corner to steal all three points.
    Arsenal retained their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as a result.
    Arteta was full of praise for Nelson after his extraordinary strike on Saturday.
    He said: “I have always seen Reiss’ potential, talent and desire to succeed, but now he is at a different level.
    “It was my decision not to include him in the squad in our previous games because we had other options, but he has been knocking on the door and this is a good lesson for me that we need him and that he can be really important for the team.” More

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    Arsenal set for £5.9million windfall with Mikel Arteta’s first-ever Gunners transfer set to quit club

    ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta’s first ever signing is set to be sold in the summer transfer window, reports suggest.The Gunners’ sporting director Edu is already in the process of trimming the first-team squad and raise funds ahead of next season.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could see his first ever signing leave in the summerCredit: Getty
    Arsenal loanee Pablo Mari has stood out at Monza and may command a £5.9m feeCredit: Getty
    According to Football London, Pablo Mari, who is currently on loan at Monza, poses as a highly likely candidate to depart from the Emirates.
    And the Gunners appear set for a £5.9million windfall from a possible deal involving Mari.
    An agreement is highly likely but talks will only take place if Monza avoid the drop.
    However, Raffaele Palladino’s side appear safe as they are currently 10th with 14 points separating them from the relegation zone.
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    Therefore, Mari is among the Arsenal loanees that could command a transfer fee in the summer along with Nicolas Pepe, Folarin Balogun and Nuno Tavares, who currently play at Lille, Reims and Marseille respectively.
    The Spaniard was Arteta’s first ever signing back in January 2020 when he arrived on loan from Flamengo.
    The centre-back signed a permanent deal six months later but failed to break into the Spanish tactician’s line-up and was shipped out on loan at Udinese in January 2022.
    The 29-year-old stayed at the Stadio Friuli for six months and was then loaned out to Monza where he has since been going from strength to strength.
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    Mari hit the ground running upon his arrival at the Stadio Brianteo in August.
    The defender’s momentum was cut short in October when he fell victim to a deadly knife attack in a supermarket near Milan that left one dead and five others injured.
    The ex-Manchester City player underwent surgery and had two muscles repaired.
    But Mari returned to action less than two months later after the incident and has since continued to impress in Palladino’s backline. More

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    Arsenal in huge Gabriel Jesus injury boost as striker is spotted in ‘secret’ training session after Bournemouth win

    ARSENAL have been handed a boost to their title hopes after Gabriel Jesus was spotted participating in a training session after the Bournemouth game. The Gunners secured a late comeback victory thanks to Reiss Nelson’s last-gasp effort.

    Gabriel Jesus was pictured in a training session after the win at BournemouthCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    He has not featured since the World Cup due to injuryCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
    However, the big picture saw Arsenal take a blow with Leandro Trossard going off injured to leave Mikel Arteta’s side with even less firepower.
    Gabriel Jesus has not featured since the World Cup following knee surgery.
    Eddie Nketiah missed training and was left out of the team entirely for the Bournemouth clash.
    But Jesus’ return to Arsenal training, albeit in a warm-down, could restore the missing firepower the Gunners lack throughout the squad.
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    Nketiah came into the side and initially performed well, scoring four goals in his first five games.
    Despite this, the goals soon dried up, with Nketiah failing to score in any of his last six league games.
    Prior to his injury, Jesus had scored five league goals but also added six assists.
    The Brazilian was spotted celebrating Arsenal’s winner alongside the rest of the squad while wearing a full kit.
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    He was pictured hugging Arteta and Emile Smith Rowe before picking up match-winner Nelson.
    The win yesterday ensured Arsenal remained five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. More

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    Arsenal hero Reiss Nelson out of contract and available on free transfer in summer but wants Emirates stay

    REISS NELSON could be on his way out of Arsenal this summer, according to reports. The Hale End graduate was the Gunners hero in their comeback win against Bournemouth on Saturday.
    Reiss Nelson is mobbed by team-mates after his winner against BournemouthCredit: Getty
    The winger is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: Alamy
    Nelson lashed home an effort in the final minute of the game to seal a 3-2 victory.
    However, he may soon find himself out of the door at the Emirates with his contract expiring in June.
    This being said, Fabrizio Romano has reported the 23-year-old would “love” to stay at Arsenal.
    Nelson has appeared just three times in the league for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, with each of these coming off the bench.
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    And he has been very effective across these outings.
    He registered a goal and assist after replacing Emile Smith Rowe against Bournemouth to add to the two goals and assist he got against Nottingham Forest.
    Much of his season has been hampered through thigh issues, limiting him to eight appearances in all competitions.
    But following his winner against Bournemouth, Arteta said: “I always saw the potential, the talent and the desire for him [Nelson] to do it, but he’s at a different level right now.
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    “I think emotionally, the experiences that he had helped him. Football-wise, it was my decision in the last two games not to play him because we had other options.
    “But he was knocking on the door, he’s been training really good and it’s a good lesson for me and for the coaches that we need him and that he can be really important for the team.”
    According to 90min, a host of clubs are interested in the winger’s services come the end of the season.
    These include Brentford, West Ham and Crystal Palace in the capital, while Everton, Southampton and Championship leaders Burnley are also eyeing a move. More

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    Watch Ian Wright’s incredible reaction to Reiss Nelson’s 98th-minute winner for Arsenal vs Bournemouth

    EVEN for a man with his incredible CV of celebrations, Ian Wright delivered something special when Reiss Nelson fired a 98th-minute winner for Arsenal against Bournemouth.The Gunners’ legend leapt up roaring and punching the air as he danced with arms flailing around before returning to the sofa to wiggle around like a turtle on its back!
    Wrighty roared with joy and relief as the Gunners restored their five-point lead at the top with a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth

    Ex-England striker Wright is delighted as the Cherries are punch-sunk
    Sub Nelson’s 25-yarder had capped Arsenal’s comeback from 2-0 down, which included an opener after 9.11 seconds from Philip Billing.
    And as the Gunners went mad after restoring their five-point lead at the top of the Prem, Wrighty conjured his own amazing response too while watching on a screen in a backroom with fellow pundits.
    He rejoiced as if Arsenal had already won the Prem – much to the amusement of Gary Lineker and Co.
    Wrighty topped it off by screaming: “OH, Reiss! I love you, Reiss! Bro!”
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    He then tweeted his reactions with the words: “REISS!!!!!!!! THIS TEAM!!!!!!” – plus three hearts.
    And Lineker too couldn’t resist posting a clip of Wrighty, as he added: “You’ll never guess who scored in the very last seconds” – accompanied by two crying-with-laughter emojis.
    But fit-again Thomas Partey turned the tide by striking back on 62 minutes.
    Billing and Marco Senesi’s header left home fans open-mouthed with shock as the Cherries scented a glorious victory.
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    And after Ben White levelled eight minutes later, the only question was whether Bournemouth would hold out.
    They almost did – but seconds from time Nelson cracked a winner in his first game since November 12 – with the second-quickest goal in Prem history.
    Shane Long bagged the fastest, for Southampton after 7.69secs at Watford in April 2019.
    Nelson told BBC TV’S  MOTD: “When the ball came out to me I was thinking ‘please give me one chance’. 
    I’m buzzing, really happy. I controlled it with my right foot and it came onto my left.
    “We need moments like this if we want to go all the way. As an Arsenal fan, I’m just delighted with the result.”
    Wright was overwhelmed after Reiss Nelson sealed a comeback victory More

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    Arsenal player ratings: Reiss Nelson rescues the Gunners with goal and assist in first game since November

    REISS NELSON was the hero as the winger came on to grab an assist and the winning goal in his first appearance since November.The Englishman fired in an incredible winner with essentially the last kick of the game, having earlier provided Ben White with his first Arsenal goal with his first touch.
    Reiss Nelson was the hero for Arsenal – scoring a goal and providing an assist as the Gunners came back from two goals down to win 3-2Credit: Reuters
    Nelson, playing his first game since November 12, was the hero for ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    It meant Arsenal, who had been two goals down, maintained their five-point lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 win.
    Having seen City beat Newcastle in the early game to close the gap, Arsenal got off to the worst possible start at the Emirates – Philip Billing scoring the second-quickest Premier League goal ever to stun the crowd.
    As the Gunners piled forward for a leveller they continually left huge gaps at the back and Bournemouth looked dangerous throughout.
    The Cherries then did have a second with slack marking from Thomas Partey at a corner allowing Marcos Senesi to power in a second.
    Read More on ArsenalPREM’S QUICKEST FIVE ALL-TIME GOALS

    1) 7.69s – Shane Long (Southampton) v Watford Apr 23, 2019
    2) 9.11s – Philip Billing (Bournemouth) v Arsenal Mar 4, 2023
    3) 9.82s – Ledley King (Tottenham) v Bradford Dec 9, 2000
    4) 10.52s – Alan Shearer (Newcastle) v Man City Jan 18, 2003
    6) 10.54s – Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) v Man Utd Jan 31, 2018

    Left with a mountain to climb, Arsenal continued to pour on the pressure and Partey made amends five minutes later, turning in a volley from Emile Smith Rowe after a half-cleared corner.
    It was game on and Mikel Arteta went deep into his bench, throwing on Nelson for his first appearance since November 12.
    It had the desired effect with Nelson’s first touch taking him inside the box and his second a cross to the back stick for White to volley in.
    Arsenal continued to throw men forward but it looked like they would have to settle for a draw.
    Philip Billing scored the second-quickest Prem goal EVERCredit: AFP
    Marcos Senesi headed home to double Bournemouth’s leadCredit: Getty
    Thomas Partey volleyed home at the far post to give Arsenal hopeCredit: AP
    Ben White scored his first Arsenal goal as the Gunners came back from 2-0 downCredit: Reuters
    That was until the ball dropped to Nelson on the edge of the box and he fired in a beautiful left-footed strike for his first goal since October 30.
    Here’s how Tom Sheen rated the Gunners in their 3-2 win against Bournemouth.
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    Aaron Ramsdale – 8/10
    Made an incredible one-on-one save in the first half from Dango Ouattara and another good stop early in the second.
    The Cherries may have been out of sight if it wasn’t for the keeper who, for a time, looked like the only man defending the Arsenal goal.
    Aaron Ramsdale made a couple of crucial saves when the game was still 2-0 to keep Arsenal in the gameCredit: Getty
    Takehiro Tomiyasu – 4
    Bombed on down the right throughout the first half but his final ball was really poor – with one particular piece of poor control, following an earlier bad cross, brought a huge groan.
    Replaced by Ben White at half-time.
    William Saliba – 4
    He was totally asleep for Billing’s opener as he watched the ball drift by him after Gabriel failed to clear.
    Showed some good pace to make a couple of recovery interceptions and blocks, but was caught out of position once too often.
    Gabriel Magalhaes – 4
    Struggled like his centre-back partner, although was not afforded a great deal of help by his full-backs and midfielders.
    Arsenal did well to claw the game back but Bournemouth looked dangerous all afternoon.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – 4
    Looked tired at times, especially when he was caught high up the pitch and Bournemouth countered.
    His usual incisive passing and runs were mooted as well and he was often sloppy in possession.
    Thomas Partey – 6
    Clearly not quite back to his pre-injury best when he could claim to be the best midfielder in the Premier League.
    However, Partey was at the centre of everything Arsenal did and he scored a vital goal to set the Gunners on the comeback trail.
    Martin Odegaard – 6
    Like the rest of his midfield, appeared unwilling – or unable – to really make those recovery runs when his team needed him.
    His passing wasn’t quite so sharp as it has been in recent games, but he was always a threat and always looking for a dangerous ball.
    Fabio Vieira – 6
    Given his lack of Premier League football it was clear Vieira was desperate to impress and he certainly looked a lot more lively and energetic than a number of his team-mates.
    However, his quality was lacking occasionally, but it wasn’t a bad performance in only his second Premier League start.
    Bukayo Saka – 6
    Saka is so often the man Arsenal look to when they need some magic but he was found wanting today.
    Bournemouth left-back Jordan Zemura was relishing his battle with Saka and when he went off, Ryan Fredericks also proved he was up to the task.
    Bukayo Saka didn’t have the best afternoonCredit: AFP
    Gabriel Martinelli – 7
    He looked the most likely of any Arsenal player to score but, for once, he left his shooting boots at home.
    Made a number of penetrating runs and had a couple of decent chances – but failed to find the target.
    Leandro Trossard – N/A
    Lasted just 20 minutes before succumbing to an injury – huge blow for Arteta especially with Eddie Nketiah also injured this week.
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    Emile Smith Rowe (for Trossard, 21) – 5
    Came on for the injured Trossard only to last around 45 minutes himself – not clear if he was injured or just on a minutes restriction.
    Provided the goal for Partey’s opener with a lofted ball back into the box, but looked well off the pace and his best.
    Ben White (for Tomiyasu, half-time) – 8
    More content to sit back than Tomiyasu had been, giving the Gunners a bit more stability at the back.
    When he did pick his moment to go forward, made the absolute most of it, volleying in his first goal for the club to equalise.
    Reiss Nelson (for Smith Rowe, 68) – 9
    Talk about instant impact – his first touch was to get it out of his feet inside the box and his second was to fire it across for White to volley in.
    His introduction and direct running style really allowed Arsenal to pile forward in the latter stages and he was the hero as he fired home a brilliant winning goal with essentially the last kick of the game.
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    Reiss Nelson was the hero for the GunnersCredit: EPA
    Granit Xhaka (for Vieira, 84) – N/A
    Came on late to try and inject a bit of quality into the midfield.
    Subs not used: Turner, Tierney, White, Kiwior, Holding, Jorginho. More

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    Arsenal concede second-fastest Prem goal EVER as Philip Billing scores for Bouremouth after just 9.11 seconds

    Bournemouth star Philip Billing scored the second-quickest Premier League goal EVER as the Cherries shocked the Emirates.Premier League leaders Arsenal were stunned into silence after just 9.11 seconds.
    Philip Billing scored the second-quickest Prem goal EVER after just 9.11secsCredit: Getty
    9.11 – Phillip Billing’s goal for Bournemouth against Arsenal was scored in 9 seconds, 11 milliseconds – the second-fastest goal scored in @premierleague history, after Shane Long for Southampton v Watford in April 2019 (7:69). Blocks. pic.twitter.com/ha22xb7Qev— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 4, 2023

    Only Shane Long’s goal for Southampton against Wolves in April 2019 has come in quicker time – that one taking just 7.69 seconds.
    Arsenal had needed a reaction after seeing Man City beat Newcastle in the early game to close the gap at the top.
    But Mikel Arteta’s side exactly how they wouldn’t have wanted with the rapid-fire goal.
    Straight from the Bournemouth kick-off, Dango Ouattara was allowed to fly down the right flank, cut insides onto his left and cross into the box.
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    Gabriel couldn’t clear and William Saliba was asleep – allowing Philip Billing to sweep home and stun the crowd.
    The Emirates crowd could not quite believe what they were seeing and things went from bad to worse when Leandro Trossard hobbled off injured after just 20 minutes.
    That injury will be a further blow to Mikel Arteta after Eddie Nketiah was injured in training this week.
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    Arteta pictured in lucky outfit again but Arsenal endure nightmare start against Bournemouth

    MIKEL Arteta was again spotted in his trademark black coat, grey trousers and black shoes as the Gunners hosted Bournemouth.But it was not so lucky in the opening stages at the Emirates after Bournemouth scored in just 9.11 seconds – making it the second-quickest Premier League goal EVER.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta wore his lucky outfit against Bournemouth – but the Cherries scored the second-quickest Prem goal EVERCredit: Reuters
    Arteta arrived at the Emirates Stadium in his lucky outfitCredit: Getty
    Bournemouth star Philip Billing fired home in just 9.11 seconds at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
    Straight from kick-off, Dango Ouattara was allowed to burst down the right flank, cut back on to his favoured left and cross into the box.
    Gabriel missed his clearance and William Saliba was sleeping, allowing Philip Billing to steal in and slot home.
    Arteta, 40, revealed he does not change his outfit while his team are on a winning streak – and his threads were no different when the Cherries visited the Emirates.
    Arsenal had won three successive games before today, with thier last defeat coming when Man City beat them on February 15.
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    Arteta will be hoping his trademark look keeps his lucky streak going, especially after Pep Guardiola’s side closed the gap with a 2-0 win over Newcastle.
    Earlier this week, Arteta said: “I am a very methodical, routine person.
    “When we are winning, I don’t like to change my clothes, I like to maintain exactly the same jumper, trousers and shoes as before. If we lose, I change to something different.
    “They’ve given me the opportunity to do what I love most, in the club that I absolutely love, respect and admire. I love what I do, every day.
    Arteta pictured in his black coat, grey trousers and black shoes against Everton on WednesdayCredit: AFP
    Arteta again wore the same threads when the Gunners beat Leicester on Februay 25Credit: Getty
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    “So when I have some doubts, or feel pressure, I just come back to that: How do you feel about what you do? And it doesn’t get any better than this.”
    Gary O’Neill had joked that he wouldn’t get too close and said: “Maybe just don’t go too close to Mikel if he hasn’t changed his clothes for a while.”
    But the rookie manager, who had only won once in 11 since he got the permanent job, was seen having a quick embrace with Arteta ahead of kick-off.
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