West Ham Makes Bid for £100k-per-week “Special” Player, Ideal Alternative to Summerville – Opinion

West Ham United’s transfer window began with considerable promise but has recently encountered setbacks, as several key targets have turned down moves to the London Stadium despite engaging discussions.

The initial enthusiasm has given way to frustration, although the club has successfully secured Max Kilman and Luis Guilherme.

There is cautious optimism that additional targets, including Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, might join before the transfer deadline, which is a little over a month away.

One player of interest to West Ham is Crysencio Summerville, the Championship MVP from last season.

However, Leeds United’s steep £35 million asking price for Summerville is proving to be a significant obstacle. As a result, West Ham is exploring other, potentially more cost-effective, alternatives.

According to the Sunday Mirror, West Ham has put forward a £15 million bid for Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson.

The versatile winger is expected to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer, and West Ham’s bid comes in the midst of Leicester City’s efforts to secure his services. Leicester had previously initiated discussions with Arsenal but have yet to submit a formal offer.

For Julen Lopetegui’s side, enhancing the attacking flanks is crucial this summer, particularly with uncertainties surrounding Lucas Paqueta’s future.

Nelson could offer both added depth and a fresh dimension to the team, which is keen to bounce back after David Moyes’ departure.

There may be concerns about Nelson’s lack of regular playing time in recent seasons. Despite his potential, he has struggled to secure a consistent role since his successful loan spell with Feyenoord in the 2020/21 season.

Over the past four seasons, Nelson has made only five starts per year across all competitions. Nevertheless, brief but impressive performances under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta have demonstrated his potential to significantly impact West Ham’s attack.

Nelson is known for his speed and dynamism, qualities that have earned him praise from Arteta as a “special” player. His athleticism and ability to deliver in big moments could make him a valuable asset for West Ham.

While primarily a right-sided winger, Nelson’s versatility allows him to play effectively on the opposite flank as well, potentially filling the role that Summerville would have occupied.

Summerville’s impressive statistics from last season in the Championship underscore his talent. With 20 goals and nine assists in 46 matches, he ranked among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in England’s second tier for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes.

Although Nelson’s Premier League stats are less eye-catching, averaging 1.4 dribbles per game over the past two seasons, his ability to contribute both as a right-sided and left-sided winger could make him a viable alternative.

Historically, Nelson has shown a slightly better scoring rate when playing on the left wing, which could be beneficial if he were to replace Summerville.

His scoring rate on the right is 0.15 goals per game, compared to 0.18 goals per game on the left. This marginal difference suggests that Nelson’s versatility and ability to perform in multiple roles could be advantageous under Lopetegui’s management.

At a proposed fee of around £15 million, Nelson presents a more affordable option compared to Summerville’s £35 million price tag. While Summerville has shown remarkable form, it remains uncertain if this will translate to the Premier League, especially considering his limited impact during Leeds United’s relegation season, where he scored four goals and provided two assists in 28 matches.

Nelson’s proven value to Arsenal, his stylish play, and key contributions in crucial moments—such as his performance in a March 2023 match against Bournemouth where he scored and assisted in a vital Premier League game—highlight his potential to succeed at West Ham.

His experience and skill set could provide a significant boost to the team’s attacking options and help them navigate a challenging season ahead.

As West Ham continues to navigate the transfer window, securing Reiss Nelson could be a strategic move to enhance their squad, especially if other high-profile targets prove too costly or elusive.