Mikel Arteta has told Reiss Nelson he can be as good as he wants – as long as he continues to impress the Arsenal head coach with his new attitude and approach.

Plenty has been expected of Nelson, 20, for some time but the winger has only just started enjoying a run in the Gunners' first team.

His introduction back into the side came after Arteta's appointment last month, with the Spaniard claiming everything came "too easy" to Nelson during his formative years at the club.

Having been loaned out to Hoffenheim last season and starting just five games this year before Arteta replaced Unai Emery in December, Nelson has since started three of the last five matches.

During his time in the Bundesliga last season Nelson did enjoy some standout moments but there were also question marks over his lifestyle off the pitch.

"I think we were all confused at some stage in our careers," added Arteta.

"Even when you do that well and people talk about you, you tend to relax and then you see the picture as a little bit dirty.

"I think his picture now is very clear, what he wants, what we want from him and I trust him."

Arteta is likely to place that trust in Nelson when Sheffield United visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with suspended captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang needing to be replaced in Arsenal's starting XI.