EPL: Nelson Leaves Arsenal After 18 Years

Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Reiss Nelson after 18 years with the club, following an agreement to terminate his contract with immediate effect.

The 26-year-old winger is now a free agent after the Gunners mutually agreed to end his contract, bringing his long association with the North London club to an end.

Nelson joined Arsenal’s academy as a youngster and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before signing his first professional contract in December 2016.

He went on to make 90 first-team appearances for Arsenal, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists during his time with the club.

The England youth international also gained valuable experience through four loan spells during his career.

Nelson spent the 2018/19 season with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim before joining Dutch club Feyenoord during the 2021/22 campaign.

He later returned to England, spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Fulham before remaining in west London with Brentford last season.

Confirming his departure on Thursday, Arsenal said the decision was reached by mutual agreement.

“Together with Reiss, we agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect for him to become a free agent,” the club stated.

Arsenal also thanked Nelson for his contribution to the club throughout his long association with the Gunners.

“Everyone at the club thanks Reiss for his contribution to Arsenal. We wish him and his family well for the future,” Arsenal said.

Nelson’s departure marks the end of an 18-year journey that began in Arsenal’s academy and saw him progress into the first team.

With his contract now terminated, the winger is free to negotiate with other clubs as he looks to begin the next chapter of his professional career.