West Ham are exploring a loan or permanent move for out-of-favour Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson.
West Ham United are plotting a shock move for Reiss Nelson. Arsenal look ready to let their out-of-favour winger leave this summer, as per the latest transfer news. Nuno Espirito Santo wants fresh legs out wide, and the player’s contract situation could make a deal happen soon.
Reiss Nelson Interest Firms Up
As reported by football.london, West Ham are keen on Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson this summer. The Gunners winger failed to get a single minute during Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund. That Emirates Stadium defeat has only added to the uncertainty, with just one year left on his deal. So the north London club faces a real choice. They can cash in now, or risk losing him for nothing next year.
West Ham are exploring whether a loan agreement can be reached for the winger. He has already spent time away from Arsenal on multiple loan spells abroad. However, he has never dropped below top-flight football, so a move to the Championship would be a first. Even so, regular minutes may outweigh that step down for him now.
Meanwhile, he struggled during his last loan spell at Brentford. He spent long periods among the substitutes there, much like his earlier loan at Fulham. Neither club pushed to make the move permanent. That pattern is exactly what the Hammers hope to break by offering him a settled, senior role out wide.
Reiss Nelson for Brentford in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Starts Goals Assists
Premier League 10 0 0 1
FA Cup 2 2 0 0
EFL Cup 2 1 1 1
Why West Ham Need Reiss Nelson
As reported by GIVEMESPORT, West Ham sold Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal last month, in a deal worth £60 million. That sale left a clear gap on the left flank. Since then, Nuno Espirito Santo has made a replacement his priority. Reiss Nelson fits that profile well. He is versatile, and he can play comfortably on either side of the attack.
The Championship should also give him regular football. That is something he has struggled to find in recent seasons. He already has decent Premier League experience, yet he has never quite nailed down a starting role at that level. So dropping into the second tier could offer a genuine pathway to consistent minutes and a fresh start.
West Ham have also been active elsewhere. Joel Veltman joined as a free agent, and Manor Solomon arrived from Tottenham for £7 million. A proven top-flight winger would round out a squad built for an instant Premier League return, giving Nuno options across the attack.
ArsenalArsenal
What Happens Next in This Transfer Race
A move for the winger has been mentioned before without ever materialising. However, things look different now. Arsenal are reigning Premier League champions, a very different position from when he signed his last contract back in 2023. With just a year left on his deal, this summer could finally be when a transfer goes through.
The structure of any deal will likely decide things for Reiss Nelson. It could end up as a loan with an obligation to buy, or a straightforward permanent fee. Either route would settle things quickly for both clubs, and neither side appears willing to let the situation run into September.
For now, Arsenal have two more pre-season fixtures to navigate. They face Como, then Manchester City in the Community Shield. Their season proper begins at home to Coventry City on August 21. Any decision on the winger will likely take shape before that opening game arrives.
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