Reiss Nelson's Potential Move to West Ham: Arsenal Open to Exit

Reiss Nelson’s long Arsenal story is edging towards its final chapter, and it may yet take a sharp turn down the Championship.

Arsenal and West Ham are in active talks over a deal for the 26-year-old winger, who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Brentford and Fulham and is not part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the new campaign. With a year left on his contract, the club are firmly in sell mode.

West Ham make their move

West Ham have approached Arsenal to explore a deal as they look to add top-flight quality to a squad gearing up for a promotion push from the Championship. The Hammers see Nelson as a player who can tilt tight games and lift the technical level of their attack.

Arsenal, for their part, are understood to be keen on the move and have given encouragement to West Ham during discussions. Negotiations between the clubs are ongoing, with the structure of any agreement still being thrashed out.

The key question now sits with the player. Nelson has yet to decide whether he is willing to drop into the Championship at this stage of his career. Personal terms have not been discussed, and he is still weighing up his options.

Contract clock ticking

Arsenal’s preference is clear: a permanent sale this summer. Nelson is into the final 12 months of his deal, and the club want to cash in rather than lose him for nothing.

There is interest in another loan, and Arsenal have protected themselves. The Gunners hold an option to extend his contract by a further year if they do sanction a temporary move, ensuring they retain control over his value rather than watch it run down.

The winger’s stock remains solid after his spells at Brentford and Fulham, and his situation is being monitored on the continent as well. The Portuguese side now managed by Marco Silva — the coach who brought Nelson to Fulham two seasons ago — are among those attentive to his future, adding another layer to his decision.

Wider reshuffle at Arsenal

Nelson is not the only potential departure at Emirates Stadium before the window closes. Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira if suitable offers arrive.

The club value Jesus at up to £20million. The Brazilian forward has been linked with Napoli, but as things stand Arsenal have not received a formal approach from the Serie A side. Vieira, meanwhile, is also available as the Gunners look to streamline a squad that has grown heavy in certain positions.

Arsenal are also working on a loan move for young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, aiming to secure him regular first-team minutes this season and accelerate his development away from the shadow of the senior keepers.

For Nelson, though, the stakes feel sharper. Stay and fight for scraps of game time under Arteta, hold out for a top-flight suitor, or embrace a leading role in a promotion chase with West Ham. The talks are underway. The clock is ticking. The next move is his.