Aston Villa may be favourites to sign West Ham and Fulham target for free

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West Ham United and Fulham have joined Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Brighton in the race to sign out-of-contract Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson. 

That is according to The Standard. 

A handful of exciting cameo performances – that Bournemouth winner anyone? – will be remembered fondly by Arsenal fans, particularly if the Gunners go on to snatch the Premier League title from under the noses of Manchester City. 

But in the year of his 24^th birthday, the Hale End graduate may not be hugely enamoured by the prospect of a supersub role going forward at the Emirates Stadium. 

Will Aston Villa beat West Ham and Fulham to Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson?

Arsenal are offering Nelson fresh terms; his current contract expiring in July. But, with a host of other clubs offering him more regular first-team football, it will not be a surprise to see Nelson head for the exit.

The Standard say that West Ham and Fulham are hoping to raid a London neighbour. AC Milan can offer Nelson European football and the chance to follow in Fikayo Tomori’s footsteps, while Brighton have a coach in Roberto de Zerbi’s who’s reputation for developing young talent has made him one of the most exciting tacticians in the game. 

The smart money, however, may be on Nelson ending up at Villa Park instead. It is no secret that Unai Emery wants another winger at Aston Villa with neither Bertrand Traore nor Leon Bailey performing on a consistent basis. 

Former Arsenal boss Emery knows Nelson from his time in North London too.

“We are following him and his performances. His good performances,” Emery said during Nelson’s impressive loan spell at Hoffenheim in 2018/19. 

“For us, it’s very important to follow him and his performances that he’s giving.

“His progress has been great. In pre-season he worked with us but here minutes and responsibilities are more difficult because he’s young and the decision to leave is important for him and for us.

“I think at the moment he’s progressing how we want.”