Arsenal forward Reiss Nelson is set to join Brentford on loan.

Club sources have told The Athletic that the deal for the 25-year-old is set to include an option to make the deal permanent.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Fulham and earlier in the summer the clubs were in advanced talks over a deal to take him back to Craven Cottage, either on loan with an option to buy or a permanent transfer.

The move did not materialise, and Brentford have now moved for Nelson – having agreed to sell Yoane Wissa to Newcastle United in a £55million deal, and lost Bryan Mbuemo to Manchester United earlier this summer.

Nelson made 12 appearances across all competitions for Fulham last season, registering two goals and an assist, before picking up a season-ending hamstring injury in December. 

The winger’s Arsenal contract runs until the summer of 2027 after he signed new terms in July 2023, with an option to extend by 12 months. 

Nelson has made 90 appearances for the north London club after coming through the youth set-up and has spent time on loan at Hoffenheim (2018-19) and Feyenoord (2021-22).

Arsenal have added to their attacking options this summer by signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea, Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP and Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace.

Analysis

By Jay Harris

Brentford had maintained throughout the summer that they would not allow Yoane Wissa to leave unless they had a replacement lined up. Ambitious moves for PSV Eindhoven’s Joey Veerman and Max Beier of Borussia Dortmund failed, so they have pivoted to Reiss Nelson.

The loss of Bryan Mbeumo and Wissa will hit Brentford hard. They scored a combined total of 39 goals in the league last season. Nelson might not be on the same level as them but he is experienced at the top level.

The 25-year-old’s arrival would crucially give new head coach Keith Andrews an extra option up front. Igor Thiago is established as the main centre-forward with Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade out wide but there is not enough quality back-up. Keane Lewis-Potter has spent the majority of the last 12 months performing excellently at left-back while 19-year-old Gustavo Nunes is raw and unproven. Nelson is versatile and can provide cover on both wings.

The major concern with this move for Brentford is that Nelson missed a large chunk of last season with a hamstring injury and has not played a lot over the last three years. If Brentford can get him fully fit, he will be a valuable temporary addition.

(Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)