West Ham United lead Reiss Nelson race as Arsenal transfer update emerges
West Ham are leading the race to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson this summer, according to talkSPORT.
The radio station reported via its website [17 July] that the 24-year-old, who is valued at £25million, has become frustrated with his lack of playing time under Mikel Arteta.
It is understood that Crystal Palace are also interested in the wantaway forward but it appears the Hammers are leading the transfer race, with Nelson “open to completing a move” to the London Stadium [GiveMeSport].
West Ham United leading race to sign Reiss Nelson
For £25million, Nelson is certainly not a bad addition to make to the squad this summer, with Julen Lopetegui clearly wanting to sign another forward.
GiveMeSport reported [16 June] that the Hammers want another forward in the squad before the end of July, with Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri, AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion all linked since the transfer window opened.
Despite not being an out-and-out centre-forward, Nelson could add some attacking depth to the squad that has been missing since Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals completed moves away in January.
Without Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, West Ham are extremely light in the attacking third of the pitch, though that has been slightly alleviated with the signing of Luis Guilherme.
The Irons found out very quickly last season how detrimental injuries and suspensions can be, which is why Lopetegui must plan for all eventualities before the summer transfer window closes.
Nelson has accumulated a total of 89 appearances for the Gunners since graduating from the club’s academy, and despite being buttered up by the manager, is still frustrated by his situation.
He also has loan experience with Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, impressing on both occasions, which provides him with the ability to adapt quickly, especially if he remains in London this summer.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been handed a boost in their quest to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka amid a £17million transfer development.
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