Fabrizio Romano: Arsenal forward undergoing medical ahead of Brentford transfer today

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson is heading to Brentford on loan, with the deal now agreed and a medical set to take place shortly. The 25-year-old has opted for a move across London despite significant interest from elsewhere.

Crystal Palace and Fulham were among the other Premier League clubs keen to secure his signature, while a number of teams abroad had also been tracking the Arsenal academy graduate. Nelson has, however, decided that Brentford is the right destination to reignite his career and earn more consistent minutes in the top flight.

The forward has struggled to establish himself under Mikel Arteta and has found himself down the pecking order after the arrivals of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke this summer. Nelson’s decision to head to Brentford provides the side with added attacking depth after losing Bryan Mbuemo and Yoanne Wissa this summer, with the latter set to join Newcastle on deadline day.

For Arsenal, there will be a sense of disappointment that a permanent sale has not materialised. The club had been open to cashing in on Nelson, particularly given his contract and wages, with the 25-year-old earning around £100,000 per week. While it remains unclear whether the loan agreement includes a buy option or obligation, the Gunners have at least managed to shift his significant salary off the books for the season ahead.

Nelson will have one year remaining on his Arsenal contract if and when he returns to the club next summer.

Nelson’s departure marks another piece of outgoing business for Arsenal in what is shaping up to be a frantic deadline period. Andrea Berta is steering through multiple deals as the Gunners reshape the squad, and Nelson’s exit creates further room both financially and in terms of squad registration for late moves in the market.

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