I'm dreaming of an Arsenal transfer after beating cancer - Saka and Dowman are phenomenal

Jayden Nelson was told by doctors that the chances of him becoming a professional footballer were all but impossible when he was battling a rare form of cancer as a child, but now he is aiming to represent Canada at the World Cup and dreaming of a potential future transfer to boyhood club Arsenal.

Nelson was just 18 months old when he was diagnosed with a form of testicular cancer. There were worries that it could substantially impact his life, as the cancer spread to his lungs.

But Nelson survived and he has since fulfilled his ambition to become a full-time footballer, with the flying winger plying his trade in Major League Soccer (MLS) at Vancouver Whitecaps.

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The 22-year-old started his senior career at Toronto FC, and after spending time at Norwegian outfit Rosenborg and Bundesliga 2 side SSV ULM, he returned to Canada in January and signed for Vancouver.

He hit the ground running with a goal and three assists on his debut against Portland Timbers and has since established himself as one of the outstanding players in the MLS in 2025. Nelson has scored three times and added 10 assists in 31 appearances this season - the most productive campaign in his career to date.

Now, Nelson is dreaming of a call-up to the Canada squad for next summer's home World Cup and a dream transfer to Arsenal in the future.

Speaking in an interview with GiveMeSport, Nelson said: "100 per cent, my goal is to return to Europe again. That's my dream, even though right now I am really happy at the Whitecaps.

"I would love to play in the Premier League one day. Arsenal is my team, and if I got to sign for them one day it would be amazing. Back in the day, I loved Thierry Henry, and now I am a fan of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Max Dowman is a phenomenal talent as well. There is a lot of quality in the Arsenal midfield."

Nelson has been capped 10 times by Canada and featured off the bench twice during the most recent international break, playing a combined 40 minutes against Romania and then Wales.

"Making Jesse Marsch's World Cup squad is naturally a dream," Nelson said. "It's crazy that a home World Cup is less than a year away and I am right on the cusp of the squad. I am just trying to work hard every day. I think right now I am being used for Canada as a squad player rather than starting every game.

"I have spoken to Jesse about being an impact sub and have done that effectively in friendlies when given opportunities. I am just trying to gain international experience and build trust. If I keep working hard, I think I stand a good chance of making the squad.

"I have learned a lot from Jesse because his football is pretty different to what I am used to. It requires more running and pressing, and I think that intensity has helped me raise my game and bring some new skills to the Whitecaps. Off the field, Jesse is a bit like a father figure to many of us younger players.

"I think I am Jesse's kind of player. I'm fast, I'm technical, and I work hard. Hopefully, that puts me in a good position to make Canada's 2026 World Cup squad."