Arsenal’s stance on ‘important’ £25 million attacker, West Ham keen to do deal

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Arsenal are ready to leave out a first-team forward this summer in a bid to force through a transfer away from the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in the market for a new forward this summer with RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko understood to be the top target.

However, the Slovenian forward decided to sign a new deal, with a release clause included that becomes active in 2025.

Arsenal were also interested in Joshua Zirkzee but the Dutchman chose a move to Manchester United.

Whilst this has been a frustrating summer for incomings so far, the Gunners could be set to offload one first-team forward.

Arsenal want to offload Reiss Nelson this summer

Sources have told HITC that Arsenal are ready to let Reiss Nelson miss their pre-season tour of America in order to finalise a move away from the club.

HITC sources confirm that West Ham United have spoken to Arsenal about Nelson whilst talks with the player’s camp are progressing in a positive direction.

Nelson made just 15 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, but he started just one game for the North London club.

Back in the 2022/23 season, Nelson netted a vital winner for the club against Bournemouth in March and was hailed as ‘important‘ by Arteta.

Nelson was rewarded with a new contract at Arsenal last summer but his future now looks to be away from the North London club this summer.

Several Premier League clubs keen on Nelson

Arsenal are understood to value Nelson at around £25 million this summer and while the Hammers lead the race for the Englishman, HITC has been told there is interest from elsewhere in the winger.

It is understood that Crystal Palace, Brentford and Fulham have all shown an interest whilst Brighton & Hove Albion also have a long-term interest.

There is interest from clubs in Italy and France too, but the expectation is that he remains in England.

The new contract signed by Nelson last summer was a four-year deal with the option of a further year but he looks set to depart the Emirates Stadium.