Reiss Nelson Transfer Talks: Arsenal and West Ham Negotiations

Arsenal are in talks with West Ham over a move for Reiss Nelson, as the winger edges towards the exit in the final year of his contract.

The 26-year-old has spent the last two seasons rebuilding his career away from north London, first at Brentford and then Fulham, but his return to Arsenal this summer has not altered his status under Mikel Arteta. He is not part of the manager’s plans for the new campaign, and the club are actively working to find him a new home.

West Ham push for promotion – and for Nelson

West Ham have approached Arsenal to explore a deal, with the Hammers targeting Nelson as part of a broader attempt to strengthen for a promotion push in the Championship. They see his pace, versatility and top-flight experience as the kind of edge that can decide tight games in a 46-match slog.

Arsenal, for their part, are understood to be receptive. With Nelson into the final 12 months of his deal, the Gunners have given encouragement to West Ham as negotiations continue over the structure of a potential move.

The key question now sits with the player. Dropping down to the Championship would guarantee minutes and responsibility, but it is not yet clear whether Nelson is ready to take that step. Personal terms have not been discussed and he is still weighing up his options.

Benfica and Marco Silva wait in the wings

West Ham are not alone. Several clubs have registered interest in Nelson this summer, including Benfica.

The Portuguese side are now managed by Marco Silva, the coach who brought Nelson to Fulham two seasons ago. That existing relationship, and Silva’s clear understanding of how to use him, offers an attractive alternative route if Nelson decides against a Championship move.

Arsenal would prefer a permanent sale rather than another temporary fix. There have been enquiries over a further loan, but the club want clarity and a clean break if possible. If they do sanction another loan, they hold an option to extend Nelson’s contract by 12 months to protect his value and avoid losing him for nothing.

Jesus and Vieira also on the market

Nelson is not the only senior player who could leave before the window closes. Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira as they reshape the squad around Arteta’s core.

The club want up to £20million for Jesus, who has been linked with Napoli. At this stage, though, there has been no formal approach from the Italian side, despite the noise around his future.

Vieira is also available, with Arsenal ready to listen to offers after a stop-start spell in north London that never truly caught fire.

Pathway for youth

Behind the senior reshuffle, Arsenal are working on the next step for Tommy Setford. The club are looking to secure a loan move for the young goalkeeper to guarantee regular first-team football this season, a crucial stage in his development.

For Nelson, the decision carries a different kind of weight. Championship promotion push with West Ham, a reunion with Marco Silva at Benfica, or another door yet to open: his next move will define whether his Arsenal story fades quietly or becomes the launchpad for a new chapter.