28 March 2023 , 11:35
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Former Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi has raised eyebrows with his claim that his ex-Gunners team-mate Reiss Nelson was a 'joke' in training.
Now of Everton, Iwobi spent more than 10 years on the books at Arsenal before eventually making the move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2019. During his time in north London, the Nigeria international made just shy of 150 appearances and boasts one FA Cup triumph on his honours list before he headed for the Emirates exit.
Though nearly four years have passed since Iwobi left his boyhood club, he has revealed he still keeps a close eye on how Arsenal are getting on and had plenty to say about a fellow Hale End academy graduate in Nelson.
Earlier this month, Nelson scored one of the most memorable goals of the Emirates era when he netted a 97th minute winner to seal a 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth.
It is a goal that could be looked back upon as pivotal should the Gunners go the distance and lift a first league title for 19 years.
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Speaking on The Beautiful Game podcast, Iwobi heaped praise on Nelson as he claimed: "He’s another Arsenal product, he’s another one who is a joke in training. With him like, he just has that raw ability.
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Former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has claimed Reiss Nelson is a 'joke' in training"I have to give it to him because he’s had to be patient. But every time he’s come on to play, he’s delivered," Iwobi added. " I think he’s been the most impactful sub at Arsenal this season. For someone to be able to do that and not play regularly and still have that elite mindset, I have to rate it."
Nelson's contract situation poses a headache for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
His current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, but as Iwobi mentioned, the former Feyenoord loanee tends to contribute each time he's given a chance.
The player himself has conceded he would stay put if it was entirely up to him, as he told the Evening Standard in November: "I have been here for so long and I’m very comfortable here.
"I am an Arsenal fan and, of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club. I am just going to be ready for anything I get now and give my all for the team."
The Gunners are yet to find their ideal deputy for Bukayo Saka out on the right-flank and with other areas needing address this summer, Arteta could well hand Nelson an extension if he is content with playing second fiddle to Arsenal's number seven.