West Ham 'working on' deal to sign Arsenal sensation who 'they've wanted for years'

West Ham United are working on a deal to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson as they aim to bolster their squad before the season begins.

The 26-year-old is still on the books at Arsenal despite multiple loan spells and his declining involvement in Mikel Arteta's first-team plans in recent seasons.

He spent last season on loan at Brentford, but failed to start a single Premier League game, with just three starts across all competitions over the course of the season.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Hammers have been long-term admirers of Nelson and believed they can now agree a cut-price deal.

There is a feeling that the opportunity to drop down into the Championship could suit the winger, following repeated struggles to impress in the Premier League.

Arsenal are ready to see Nelson move on before the window closes, and West Ham are prepared to step up their interest in a move which could benefit all parties.

Could West Ham complete a move for Reiss Nelson?

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have been long-term admirers of Nelson, after Football Insider revealed back in 2024 that West Ham held talks with the Arsenal winger.

They are now prepared to reignite that interest, with the addition of a new winger becoming a priority following the sale of Crysencio Summerville.

Nelson has emerged as a leading target given the club's long-term interest and his availability, with a growing expectation that a deal will be agreed before the end of the window.

"West Ham are now working on a deal to sign Reiss Nelson," Brown told Football Insider.

"They have been after him for years, he's somebody they know very well and are big admirers of, and it looks like the opportunity may finally be there for them to do a deal.

"The concern I have about Nelson is that he's never seemed to live up to the promise he once had. He can give you flashes and moments here and there, but that's it.

"But dropping into the Championship might be the step he needs to take to get back to his best and start playing regular football again.

"He certainly doesn't have a role to play at Arsenal, they are looking to move him on, so it could be the best outcome for everybody if he makes a move to West Ham."

Which other wingers are on West Ham's radar?

Despite having been long-term admirers of Nelson, he is not the only wide option on West Ham's radar, as they consider a number of options to improve out wide.

Manor Solomon arrived from Tottenham earlier this week, but the Hammers still have further options in their sights, including Middlesbrough star Morgan Whittaker.

Brown told Football Insider on 5 August that West Ham scouts have been keeping tabs on Whittaker and have considered making a move to lure him away from Middlesbrough.

He enjoyed a strong season with Middlesbrough last time out, as he scored 14 goals and provided seven assists in 45 games across all competitions.

However, Brown warned that West Ham scout be careful before making a move for Whittaker given long-term concerns about his work rate and consistency.