Reiss Nelson and Arsenal Part Ways by Mutual Agreement

Arsenal have confirmed that Reiss Nelson has left the club following a mutual agreement to end his contract. The 26-year-old winger, who rose through the Hale End academy, is now a free agent as he looks for new opportunities.

A New Path Ahead

The split comes as Nelson aims to find more regular playing time, something manager Mikel Arteta was unable to guarantee at the Emirates Stadium. Although Nelson was entering the final year of his contract, which included an option for an additional season, Arsenal decided to release him early to allow him to explore other options.

Several clubs in England and overseas are reportedly interested in Nelson. West Ham United has previously engaged in talks with Arsenal regarding a potential transfer. Nelson is expected to carefully evaluate all offers before deciding on his next move.

Recent Struggles with Injuries and Playing Time

Nelson spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Brentford, but injuries limited him to just 13 appearances, with only three starts, all in domestic cup games. Before Brentford, he was loaned to Fulham in 2024-25 but suffered a major hamstring injury in December 2024 that cut his season short.

From Promising Youth to First-Team Contributor

Starting at Arsenal’s academy, Nelson was seen as one of the brightest talents of his generation. He signed his first professional contract in December 2016 and debuted for the senior team in August 2017 during the Community Shield against Chelsea.

After intermittent first-team action, he spent the 2018-19 season on loan at German club Hoffenheim, scoring three goals in 22 matches. Limited chances at Arsenal during 2020-21 led to another loan with Dutch side Feyenoord in 2021, where he played a key role in reaching the Europa Conference League final. His impact as a valuable squad player earned him a new contract in 2023.

A North London Chapter Comes to an End

Nelson finishes his Arsenal career having made exactly 90 appearances, scoring eight goals and assisting nine. Though he never reached the superstar level some predicted, moments like his dramatic 97th-minute winner against Bournemouth in 2023 have endeared him to fans.

• Career Appearances for Arsenal: 90
• Goals Scored: 8
• Assists: 9