REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
West Ham United are reportedly plotting a loan move for Reiss Nelson from Arsenal to further strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo's squad.
After suffering relegation last season, the Hammers are looking to bounce back and earn promotion at the first time of asking. It's fair to say they have one of the strongest squads of any EFL Championship club in history, especially with Jarrod Bowen staying put.
Joel Veltman has joined as a free agent after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion and the East Londoners have agreed on a £7 million deal with Tottenham Hotspur for Manor Solomon. But Santo and his transfer chiefs aren't stopping there as they look to swoop for another Premier League star.
West Ham Interested in Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson in action for Fulham
Nelson is deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal after spending last season on loan at Brentford. He has a year left on his contract, is way down Mikel Arteta's pecking order and has been expected to leave the Gunners permanently.
According to Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, West Ham are keen on Nelson and have started to explore a potential loan deal. He wrote on X:
Nelson was disappointing during his loan spell at Brentford, spending the majority of it on the substitute's bench. He failed to convince the Bees to make his stay permanent and headed back to the Emirates as he did after another loan spell at Fulham the season prior.
The 26-year-old could get his career back on track at the London Stadium and fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville, who joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal for £60 million in July. He'll be eager for more first-team opportunities at this stage of his career.
Arsenal May Hesitate Over Nelson Loan
Reiss Nelson after getting off the Arsenal team coach
Nelson is now at an age where he needs regular football and he could relish the chance to help West Ham battle for promotion. The Hammers still need to reach an agreement with Arsenal to loan the Englishman, and that might prove tricky.
The Gunners have constantly sent him out on loan, and with a year left on his contract, might insist on a permanent departure this time around. It seems unlikely that a buy option would be included given he'll be a free agent next summer.
Nelson may have faltered while at Brentford but he made a good impression during the early stages of his loan spell. Keith Andrews spoke highly of his mentality: "I thought his attitude was outstanding, the way he approached it, and you could see the quality that he has."
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Reiss Nelson (Premier League 2025-26)
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Nuno Espirito Santo looks on during West Ham's draw with Bournemouth
Nuno Espirito Santo looks on during West Ham's draw with Bournemouth
West Ham could benefit from Nelson's experience and versatility as he can play on both wings. He'd be another impressive addition to a squad that looks destined for a Championship title race.