Arsenal have confirmed the departure of Reiss Nelson after 18 years with the club, with the winger becoming a free agent following the immediate termination of his contract.
The Gunners announced the 26-year-old’s exit in a statement on the club’s official website on Thursday, bringing an end to his long association with Arsenal.
Nelson joined the club’s academy as a youngster and progressed through the youth ranks before signing his first professional contract in December 2016.
He went on to make 90 appearances for Arsenal’s first team, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.
The England youth international was part of the Arsenal squad that won the FA Cup in 2020 and also featured in the club’s FA Community Shield triumphs in 2017 and 2020.
Nelson spent periods away from Arsenal during four loan spells. He joined Bundesliga side Hoffenheim during the 2018/19 season before moving to Feyenoord for 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, 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 said.
Arsenal also expressed its appreciation to Nelson for his contribution throughout his lengthy association with the club.
“Everyone at the club thanks Reiss for his contribution to Arsenal. We wish him and his family well for the future,” the club added.
Nelson is now free to negotiate with other clubs as he begins the next chapter of his career after nearly two decades in the Arsenal setup.
