Arsenal reach agreement to sell Reiss Nelson to West Ham

Arsenal's longest-serving player is finally close to ending his 18-year love affair with the North London club.

Reiss Nelson joined the Arsenal academy in 2008, at the age of eight, and after making 90 appearances for the first team, he's finally set to say goodbye to the Emirates. West Ham United are eager to secure the services of the Hale End graduate, who made his debut for the Gunners nine years ago now, in the 2017 Community Shield.

The deal is expected to go through, although there is still said to be a potential stumbling block.

West Ham reach agreement to sign Reiss Nelson

According to journalist James Hokery, West Ham have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the permanent signing of Nelson. A fee has been agreed between the two clubs, while personal terms have also been agreed between the Hammers and the player's camp.

That said, the Championship side are holding off on executing the deal as they continue to asses other targets' situations. Former Arsenal star Amario Cozier-Duberry and Liverpool outcast Harvey Elliott are among those on the Irons' shortlist, and if either become available in the next week, then they could pull out of the Nelson deal.

However, Hokery did add in his report that the transfer for the Arsenal man is 'likely' to be completed.

Despite spending time abroad in the past, enjoying temporary stints at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, it's believed that Nelson isn't keen on leaving his home city of London. This isn't a particularly big surprise given he's spent the last two seasons on loan in the British capital, plying his trade in West London for Fulham and Brentford.

Largely due to injury issues, Nelson made just 14 appearances across all competitions for the Bees last season. His general lack of minutes across his entire career to date means top flight clubs are seemingly no longer willing to take a risk on him.

West Ham, however, are looking for strength in depth as they push for immediate promotion back to the big time. The East Londoners are mourning the loss of Crysencio Summerville, who left for the Saudi Pro League earlier this summer, and believe Nelson has the ability to take the mantle left by the Dutchman.

At a slightly lower level, in a settled squad that is likely to dominate its league, Nelson might just thrive. He needs to be somewhere he's loved and valued, and seen as an important part of the club's plans. He wasn't quite able to get this at either Fulham or Brentford, but West Ham could be the club to finally benefit from some of the potential that he showed as a youngster.

He'll never be forgotten at Arsenal for his heroic last-minute winner at home to Bournemouth in the 2022/23 season.

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