West Ham are exploring a loan move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson as Nuno Espírito Santo continues to strengthen his attacking options before the Championship season begins.
The Hammers have been interested in Nelson throughout the summer, but the latest development suggests they are now looking at the conditions required to take the 26-year-old to the London Stadium on a temporary deal.
Nelson has returned to Arsenal after spending last season on loan at Brentford, where injuries again restricted his opportunities. BBC Sport confirmed that he made 14 appearances for the Bees before returning to his parent club this summer.
West Ham’s renewed interest comes as Nuno attempts to add more pace and depth in wide areas following a significant summer overhaul.
Reiss Nelson West Ham interest steps up
Nelson has been on West Ham’s radar for several months.
ReadWestHam reported in June that Nelson and Dwight McNeil were both among the wide players being considered, although there was no suggestion at that stage that talks over a deal had advanced.
The situation has now moved on, with reports on Sunday saying West Ham are exploring a loan agreement for the Arsenal academy graduate.
A temporary move would limit the financial risk for the Hammers while giving Nelson another opportunity to play regularly after loan spells with Fulham and Brentford.
He has one year remaining on his Arsenal contract and faces significant competition for minutes in Mikel Arteta’s squad. ReadWestHam previously assessed why Nelson could suit the club’s promotion rebuild, particularly because of his ability to operate on either flank.
The winger has considerable Premier League experience but has struggled to put together a sustained run of games in recent seasons.
That makes the structure of any potential deal important.
West Ham need players capable of making an immediate contribution across a 46-game Championship campaign, while Nelson needs regular football at a stage of his career when another season on the fringes would offer little benefit.
Nuno has already moved closer to adding Manor Solomon to his attacking options, but the interest in Nelson suggests West Ham are not finished reshaping their wide positions.
Whether Arsenal are prepared to sanction another loan could now determine whether the move progresses.
