Overview
- Arsenal and West Ham opened formal talks on Monday about Reiss Nelson’s future, with West Ham reported to be exploring a season-long loan while Arsenal prefer a permanent transfer.
- Arsenal hold a 12-month extension option on Nelson’s contract to stop him leaving for free and are seeking deal terms that protect his value before agreeing to any loan.
- Nelson, 26, has been out of Mikel Arteta’s plans after loan spells at Fulham and Brentford that included a hamstring injury and very limited Premier League minutes.
- West Ham’s relegation and tighter wage constraints make a loan with Arsenal paying part of wages or a promotion-triggered obligation to buy an attractive compromise for both clubs.
- Personal terms have not been discussed and other clubs such as Benfica remain interested, so Nelson’s decision on whether to drop to the Championship will be decisive for how the transfer concludes.