Arsenal are in discussions with West Ham United over a possible move for Reiss Nelson, with Mikel Arteta looking to reduce his squad before the transfer deadline. The 26-year-old winger has spent the past two seasons out on loan and is once again expected to leave in search of regular first-team football.

West Ham target move for out-of-favour winger

Arsenal and West Ham are in active talks over a potential deal for Nelson as the summer transfer window moves into its closing stages.

The winger has found it difficult to establish a lasting place in Mikel Arteta’s plans and spent the last two seasons away from Emirates Stadium, turning out for Brentford and Fulham respectively. With the Gunners aiming to reshape their attacking options, Nelson has again been pushed to the fringes, prompting fresh interest from elsewhere in London as West Ham gear up for a promotion push in the Championship.

West Ham have formally contacted Arsenal to discuss the terms of a deal, although it is still unclear whether Nelson would be prepared to drop into the second tier of English football. Arsenal are encouraged by the interest and are eager to reach a solution for a player who is now in the final year of his current contract.

Although the Gunners would prefer a permanent transfer in order to strengthen their transfer funds, they have not dismissed the possibility of another loan spell if the financial package matches their valuation of the Hale End academy graduate.

Loan or permanent transfer dilemma for the Gunners

Talks are presently centred on the structure of the deal, with West Ham considering a loan arrangement to add depth to their squad. However, reports indicate that a straightforward loan would not be the ideal outcome for the Gunners because of Nelson’s contract situation.

To reduce the risk of losing him for nothing next summer, Arsenal still have the option of activating a 12-month extension in his contract, an approach they have used before to safeguard the market value of fringe players before approving an exit.

Nelson’s recent involvement in pre-season has offered more hints about his future. He featured against Girona and Real Betis, but was an unused substitute in the match against Borussia Dortmund. A lack of minutes in such high-profile friendlies is often viewed as a sign that a player is nearing the exit.

Arteta prepared to approve major exits

Nelson is not the only notable name who could leave north London before the window closes, with Arsenal also willing to consider offers for Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira. The Brazilian forward, who has struggled for consistency and fitness since joining from Manchester City, has been linked with a move to Serie A side Napoli.

Arsenal are said to be seeking a fee of around £20 million for Jesus, although no formal offer from the Italian club is understood to have arrived at this point in the transfer window.

Vieira has also found opportunities limited in an overcrowded midfield, and the club are ready to listen to offers for the Portuguese playmaker.

Goalkeeping reshuffle and squad depth

Alongside the senior players, Arsenal are also trying to arrange a loan move for young goalkeeper Tommy Setford. The 20-year-old has seen his route to the first team become even more difficult after the arrival of Illan Meslier, who has joined the club to provide competition for the number one position.

Setford is highly regarded by the coaching staff at London Colney, but the club feel that a season of regular senior football elsewhere is crucial for his development rather than staying on as a third or fourth-choice option.