Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten are eager to strengthen West Ham’s left-wing position this summer. Since the departures of Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals in January, David Moyes has had to deploy Mohammed Kudus or Lucas Paqueta on the left flank.
Lopetegui aims to bring in a more natural left-sided attacker, and Reiss Nelson could fit the bill.
There have been ongoing links between Nelson and West Ham, and recent reports suggest the Hammers have submitted a £15 million bid. However, Arsenal reportedly value their academy product at £25 million.
It seems unlikely that either West Ham or Leicester City would meet this price for a player who has played only 257 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Arsenal are looking to raise funds, with Nelson among three Hale End graduates—alongside Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah—potentially up for sale. Nketiah has also been linked with a move to the London Stadium.
If Arsenal are serious about selling Nelson, they might need to entertain offers between £15-20 million. At 24 years old, Nelson’s age might seem surprising given his limited first-team experience.
Since making his Arsenal debut in the 2017 Community Shield, he has played just 146 first-team matches: 89 for Arsenal, 29 for Hoffenheim, and 32 for Feyenoord.
Nelson arguably had his best season with Feyenoord, where he scored four goals and provided seven assists in 32 matches, averaging a goal contribution every 141 minutes.
His most notable period at Arsenal was at the end of the 2022/23 Premier League season, which earned him a new contract.
However, he has struggled since, starting only one game over the past two seasons. It might be time for Nelson to move on from his boyhood club, and West Ham could offer him an ideal opportunity.
Reports also suggest that Nelson has already agreed on personal terms with the Hammers and is eager to join players like Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta, and fellow Englishman Jarrod Bowen.
A natural left-winger could significantly enhance West Ham’s attack, making this move promising for both Nelson and the club.
