West Ham United are considering whether to complete a move for Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson after a club insider claimed the proposed transfer is effectively in place.
Nelson has been on West Ham’s radar throughout the summer, with previous reporting valuing a potential permanent deal at around £3 million.
The West Ham Way reports that the proposed transfer is “pretty much done”, but West Ham have yet to decide whether to proceed.
The 26-year-old is therefore not an agreed signing, and neither club has announced a completed deal.
Reiss Nelson transfer awaits West Ham decision
Nelson would add another experienced attacking option as Nuno Espírito Santo attempts to strengthen his squad following West Ham’s difficult start to the Championship campaign.
The Standard previously reported that Arsenal and West Ham had entered discussions, with the Gunners prepared to facilitate Nelson’s departure.
The winger has entered the final year of his Arsenal contract, increasing the likelihood of a permanent exit before the window closes.
Earlier reporting suggested Arsenal could receive approximately £3m if West Ham complete a permanent transfer. However, the latest update does not confirm the final fee or structure of any proposed agreement.
Nelson has spent recent seasons on loan at Fulham and Brentford, gaining Premier League experience but also enduring fitness problems.
BBC Sport reported that Nelson made 14 appearances during his most recent Brentford loan before returning to Arsenal this summer.
Edvin Austbø remains an alternative
West Ham’s hesitation appears linked to the other attacking options under consideration.
Viking winger Edvin Austbø remains another possibility, with ReadWestHam previously reporting that the Norwegian attracted an offer worth approximately £8m.
That leaves West Ham weighing two different profiles.
Nelson would provide experience of English football and could potentially cost less, while Austbø offers a younger alternative but may require a significantly larger fee.
West Ham are targeting four further additions across several positions, meaning recruitment staff must decide how to allocate their remaining budget.
The financial consequences of relegation also increase the importance of balancing immediate squad improvements against longer-term commitments.
For now, Nelson appears to be an available option rather than a completed transfer. The next step rests with West Ham.
