West Ham target Reiss Nelson
West Ham target Reiss Nelson
West Ham United’s interest in Arsenal's Reiss Nelson makes plenty of sense when you look back at what Thierry Henry once said about the Arsenal winger.
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The Hammers are exploring the possibility of bringing Nelson to the London Stadium on loan as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to strengthen his attacking options.
Following the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Adama Traore, West Ham could certainly do with another player capable of operating in the wide areas.
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And Nelson appears to be on the club’s radar, according to Sky Sports.
The 26-year-old spent last season on loan at Brentford, although his chances of establishing himself as a regular under Mikel Arteta appear limited.
Reiss Nelson could give West Ham something different
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Nelson hasn't developed into the superstar Arsenal once hoped he might become, but there has never been much doubt about his natural ability.
Thierry Henry made that perfectly clear during Nelson’s emergence through the Arsenal academy.
Writing in The Sun about the youngster back in 2017, the Arsenal legend highlighted Nelson’s confidence, attitude, speed of thought and willingness to attack defenders with the ball at his feet.
He wrote: "He has desire, confidence and a great attitude.
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"He will run at you and be brave on the ball. Reiss is brave because he takes risks; he takes on the opposition.
"He is quick, and not just across the ground. He is quick in the mind; he understands the game.
"But you know when you see a player and you just want him to get the ball? He is that player. He has that ‘thing’."
That description perhaps explains why West Ham are interested now.
Nuno needs greater competition and depth in his attacking positions, particularly across a Championship season where squad rotation will be important.
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Nelson can play off either flank and also possesses the pace and technical quality to change games from the bench.
Indeed, there would undoubtedly be an element of risk involved.
His goalscoring numbers throughout his senior career have never been particularly impressive, and at 26 he can no longer simply be viewed as a youngster waiting to fulfil his potential.
But West Ham would not necessarily be signing Nelson to become their main source of goals.
They would be signing him to give Nuno another option.
West Ham loan could suit everybody
A loan deal could therefore represent a sensible compromise.
West Ham would add an experienced attacking player without necessarily committing significant money to a permanent transfer, while Nelson would get another opportunity to play regular senior football away from Arsenal.
But there may still be complications.
Nelson’s Arsenal contract is due to expire next summer, meaning now represents one of the Gunners' final opportunities to generate a meaningful transfer fee for him. Arsenal could therefore prefer a permanent departure rather than another temporary move.
That could become an important factor in negotiations.
But from a West Ham perspective, the attraction is obvious.
Nelson may not have become the player many predicted when he first broke through at Arsenal, but the qualities Henry identified all those years ago have not simply disappeared.
Get him confident, get him attacking defenders and give him an important role in the squad, and West Ham could potentially have a very useful Championship player on their hands.
For the right deal, this is one that could be well worth exploring.
Do you think Reiss Nelson would be a good signing? Would you prefer a loan or permanent transfer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.