Reiss Nelson’s potential move from Arsenal to West Ham United is now set to be a permanent deal, despite the Hammers’ initial push for a loan move.
West Ham insider The West Ham Way reports that the club’s move for Reiss Nelson appears to be moving in the direction of an agreement, and it’s more likely to be a permanent deal than a loan move at this stage.
The same source adds that there’s still a way to go on the potential deal, but it seems Arsenal are closer to getting the deal structure they’d prefer.
The Gunners have always been keen on a straight sale rather than a loan, but Dharmesh Sheth had reported for Sky Sports News in recent days that West Ham preferred a loan move.
James McNicholas then reported for The Athletic on Tuesday that Arsenal and West Ham were in ongoing talks over a possible deal, though he did suggest that Nelson is yet to give his full approval to the transfer.
Assuming the move gets the player’s approval and West Ham agree to a permanent deal structure, there shouldn’t be too much holding things up.
Arsenal are clearly open to selling this summer, and Nelson only has a year on his contract. Either the Gunners do a deal now, or they’ll likely lose him for free in 2027.
Nelson spent last season on loan with Brentford, and they had an option to buy in his contract, but they opted not to take it up.
Brentford director of football Phil Giles reflected: “Whilst I’m sure [Nelson] would’ve preferred more Premier League minutes with us during the loan, he has nevertheless made a good contribution with his positivity, attitude and experience around training and matchdays, and leaves us in a better place physically then when he joined.”
Nelson has since joined up with Arsenal for pre-season, playing half an hour against Girona and 45 minutes against Real Betis, but having an unused substitute role against Borussia Dortmund.
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