According to reports, West Ham United have shown an interest in signing Arsenal youngster Reiss Nelson on a free transfer in the upcoming transfer window. The English winger’s deal at the Emirates will end this summer and the Gunners are in no hurry to extend his contract.
Reiss Nelson was considered as one of the brightest prospects of English football when he debuted for Arsenal in 2019. The forward spent last season on loan at Feyenoord where he had gained good amount of game-time. He scored 4 goals while assisting 7, in 32 appearances in all competitions (stats via Transfermarkt).
However, he has failed to become a consistent name in the Gunners’ starting lineup. The 23-year-old has made only seven appearances for the North London side this season, with just 3 starts to his name. Despite his limited game-time, the attacker has displayed his quality and potential, having scored 2 goals and assisted twice.
The English winger has a contract with the Gunners till June 2023 but has no provision to extend his deal for another year. Arsenal do not seem much keen on renewing his contract and there are no current rumours about any extension whatsoever.
Nevertheless, the Arsenal academy graduate will not be short of suitors if he leaves the Emirates. As reported by Metro, West Ham United are amongst the potential clubs who have established an interest in signing Reiss Nelson on a free transfer this summer.
However, the Hammers are fighting to get out of the relegation zone. West Ham signing the attacker depends upon whether they stay in the Premier League or not, as Reiss Nelson may want to play in the top-flight. Moreover, Fabrizio Romano has reported that two other Premier League sides and three clubs outside of England are also keen on signing him.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old has expressed his desire to stay at his boyhood club, which seems unlikely at the moment. The English forward needs more game-time to show his quality but has so far failed to achieve that. This is what Nelson said back in December:
‘I feel like Arsenal is the club for me at this moment in time. I have been here for so long and I’m very comfortable here. Of course, I want to play games and I want to play week in, week out, but I feel like at this moment in time I am at a place where I am only going to get better. I am an Arsenal fan and, of course, I want to sign a new contract at the club. I am just going to be ready for anything I get now and give my all for the team.’
Why Reiss Nelson Should Explore Options Other Than Arsenal?
Reiss Nelson graduated from the academy and moved to the Arsenal senior team in 2019. He has made a total of 55 appearances in the three years he has been at the Emirates. He has failed to bag goals or assists on a consistent basis, which has led him to fall down the pecking order.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta currently possesses a gem in Bukayo Saka and it was going to be very tough for Nelson to take his spot on the right-wing. The Gunners also have Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard, who can all play as makeshift right-wingers.
The 23-year-old winger can also play on the left-hand side but faces a similar problem on that flank. The Spanish manager already faces a daily dilemma over who to start on the left-wing – Gabriel Martinelli or the newly-signed Leandro Trossard.
Reiss Nelson will have to do something extraordinary to draw the attention of the Arsenal manager. It’s not like the right-winger has gone out of form. He has delivered when presented the opportunity, like when he came off the bench to score a brace and also get an assist against Nottingham Forest in October.
The English forward is close to achieving full fitness but there are still questions as to whether he will get picked ahead of other star players. He should look at other destinations where he can improve himself. Regular game-time could help him develop into a better player and might even give him another opportunity at the Emirates Stadium.