West Ham United transfer news as Reiss Nelson interest cooled due to worrying injury record
West Ham United have cooled their interest in Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson due to his “pretty grim” injury record, according to Claret & Hugh.
The South London-born winger, recently dubbed “special” by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, is into the final months of his deal with the north London side which is set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Reports in the Daily Mail on 17 April revealed that the 23-year-old may not sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium due to his lack of opportunities and the Hammers feel they are in pole position for his signature on a free transfer [Daily Mirror, pg 51, 19 April].
However, according to key West Ham United source Claret & Hugh [10 May], the Irons have cooled their interest in the 23-year-old as they are put off by his recurring injury troubles.
“It now seems unlikely a deal to bring him to the Hammers will happen given that injury track record which has seen him miss 64 games over four seasons.
“He has suffered various problems which have included hamstring, thigh, back, knee and ankle issues along with other knocks.
“An agent source told us that this is a very good player but that the Hammers had cooled their interest on the back of the injury problems.”
Future is bright
The forward is yet to make a Premier League start and has only made five substitute appearances and his lack of opportunities could certainly deter potential suitors.
However, in his small number of domestic cameos, the former Hoffenheim loanee has made a memorable and match-defining impact, qualities West Ham United could do well to possess if they are to transform their fortunes for next season.
Nelson’s bright future as a Premier League footballer should usurp those doubts about his injuries. This is an incredibly gifted footballer who is still very much in the early stages of his career so he certainly requires much patience and room to grow.
It’s clear he’s not getting the opportunities at Arsenal and there are a number of players in the past who have left the club with previous injury worries and have gone on to be hugely reliable and successful elsewhere. Nelson does hold a quite frustrating injury record, but can certainly move past it due to his young age.
More crucially, Nelson will be available on a free transfer, taking away any potential risk of millions being wasted so West Ham United can certainly afford to take a punt on his services.
His match-winning qualities are an attractive proposition for many Premier League sides and the Hammers would be silly not to pursue the abilities of Nelson who is desperate to make his name on a new platform.