Reiss Nelson has been speaking to the Chronicle about Joe Willock, and opened up on what it was like to watch his close friend leave Arsenal.
What’s the story?
Well, Willock left Arsenal in January 2021 to join Newcastle on a six-month loan deal, where he became a hero on Tyneside.
Amazingly, Willock scored eight Premier League goals in 14 appearances for the Magpies, before joining them in a £25m deal back in August.
Speaking about his friend’s exit in January 2021, Nelson said: “It was weird at first. My locker is right next to his locker so the day he was going, I had a little lump in my throat. I felt like I wanted to cry. I had to get used to not seeing him there the next day and the day after when we had come through together.”
Clearly, the pair have a close bond, which should come as no surprise.
Nelson and Willock effectively grew up together in Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, so it must’ve been difficult to be separated.
Nevertheless, it was a move which kickstarted Willock’s career.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old has struggled to hit the heights of last season, failing to score in 18 appearances this term.
In fairness, things have been chaotic at Newcastle this term, and the arrival of Eddie Howe has also seen Willock thrust into a deeper role.
What’s happening with Reiss Nelson at Arsenal?
While Willock kickstarted his career on Tyneside, Nelson is yet to get going.
Despite showing flashes of his obvious potential for the Gunners, the 22-year-old is struggling to impose himself on senior football.
Nelson is currently on loan at Feyenoord, where he has failed to score in 12 Eredivisie outings – that is slightly concerning.
The England Under-21 international did find success on loan at Hoffenheim in 2018/19, scoring seven goals in 23 Bundesliga games.
Unfortunately, Nelson never kicked on from that good spell.
Of course, there is still time for him to succeed at Arsenal, especially with Mikel Arteta at the helm – the Spaniard has shown he isn’t afraid to use Hale End graduates, such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
Only time will tell if Nelson can turn his Arsenal career around.
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