New West Ham United bargain opportunity on the cards as Reiss Nelson transfer news emerge
West Ham United reportedly believe they are “favourites” to sign Reiss Nelson if they can secure their Premier League status and it’s an opportunity they may not afford to pass up on.
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 but is settled in London.
And that could present a fine bargain opportunity for West Ham United, providing they secure their Premier League status at the end of the season.
And according to the Daily Mirror (pg 51, 19 April), the Hammers feel they’re in pole position to sign the winger on a free transfer at the end of the season.
It’s believed Nelson is keen to stay at Arsenal but no agreement on a new deal has been reached with Brighton, Aston Villa and a host of European sides interested.
But given the player is willing to stay in London to continue his career and get his development back on track with regular first-team football, the London Stadium represents the ideal platform for him to do just that.
Despite his amazing potential and current ability, Nelson has regularly struggled to hold down a regular place at the Gunners.
Reports emerged [Daily Mail, 6 March] suggesting that he could well sign a new deal at the Emirates are quite surprising considering he would still remain a bit-part player with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli still Arteta’s favoured attackers.
The forward is yet to make a Premier League start and has only made five substitute appearances. 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 transform their fortunes for next season.
At home to Nottingham Forest in October, Nelson ran riot and recorded two goals and an assist in a stunning display to prove his undeniable worth to the team and then the London-born man scored an awe-inspiring 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth to send the Emirates into rapture to maintain Arsenal’s title charge.
Such 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.
Also, Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen have been ever-presents but both do need competition and considering Nelson is eager to remain in London, this looks like a no-brainer.
However, there will be much change at the London Stadium especially on the managerial front with David Moyes expected to leave the East Londoners this summer, but if the club can capture their potential replacement before pre-season then making Nelson one of their first key additions for next season makes perfect sense for both parties.