Friday morning Done Deal: Julen Lopetugi personally wants to sign player and that is a good sign that the player is set to join West Ham United in the summer

West Ham United are leading the race to sign Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to Givemesport. The Hammers have been actively strengthening their squad this summer and are confident of beating Crystal Palace to Nelson’s signature.

Nelson, 24, has decided to leave Arsenal in search of a new challenge and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is keen to bring him to the London Stadium. The winger is currently earning £100,000 per week and could be allowed to leave Arsenal for a fee of £25 million.

Despite his talent, Nelson has struggled to secure regular playing time at Arsenal, making just one Premier League start last season and failing to make the matchday squad in eight of the final 10 league games. West Ham, however, could offer him the opportunity to excel, particularly if Jarrad Bowen leads the line.

Nelson’s pace and dribbling skills make him an ideal player for counter-attacking football, and he has the potential to make significant goal contributions. While his impact at Arsenal has been limited, he could thrive with regular first-team football.

West Ham are looking to negotiate a deal worth around £20 million, including add-ons, which would be a reasonable price for a player with untapped potential. The Hammers are also searching for a marquee center-back, despite the recent acquisition of Max Kilman from Wolves.

Nelson’s potential signing would be a significant coup for West Ham, who have already made some impressive signings this summer, including Luis Guilherme and Wes Foderingham. The club’s active transfer strategy is a testament to their ambition to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are considering moves for several players, including Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, Donyell Malen, and Viktor Tsygankov. The Gunners have also had a bid for Wolves goalkeeper Dan Bentley rejected.

As the transfer window heats up, West Ham and Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on developments, hoping to see their clubs strengthen their squads ahead of the new season. With Nelson’s potential signing, West Ham could be on the verge of a significant coup, one that could propel them up the Premier League table.