Arsenal and Reiss Nelson terminate contract by mutual agreement

Arsenal and winger Reiss Nelson have mutually agreed to terminate the player's contract, making the 26-year-old a free agent as of August 27, 2026. The decision ends Nelson's long association with the club, where he rose through the academy ranks, but grants him the opportunity to seek regular first-team football elsewhere. The termination was confirmed by Arsenal and reported by multiple sources, including journalist David Ornstein. Nelson had entered the final year of his contract, which included an option for a one-year extension. By parting ways now, Arsenal forgo a potential transfer fee but immediately remove his wages from the payroll. The club acknowledged that at age 26, Nelson requires consistent playing time, which was not forthcoming at the Emirates Stadium. Nelson's career at Arsenal was marked by unfulfilled potential. After debuting in 2017, he made 90 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists. Loan spells at Hoffenheim, Feyenoord, Fulham, and most recently Brentford did not lead to a breakthrough in the first team. He is fondly remembered by supporters for a dramatic late winning goal against Bournemouth in the 2022-23 season.