West Ham United are actively pursuing two attacking reinforcements as they prepare for life in the Championship, with a £15 million bid already lodged for AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott and interest confirmed in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, according to the Daily Mail.
Hammers rebuild after relegation
The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League last season, finishing with 39 points, but have retained manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Significant player exits have followed, including Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85 million, Crysencio Summerville to Al Hilal for £55 million, and Freddie Potts to Club Brugge for £10.2 million. Callum Wilson also left on a free transfer, joining Brentford.
On the incoming side, experienced defender Joel Veltman has arrived from Brighton on a free transfer, and Venezuela international Keiber Lamadrid has turned his loan into a permanent move. However, Espirito Santo needs more attacking options, prompting the club to move for Parrott and Nelson.
Troy Parrott: Eredivisie standout
Parrott, 24, has thrived since joining AZ Alkmaar permanently in 2024, scoring 30 goals in 59 Eredivisie appearances and 51 goals in 97 games across all competitions. His form has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Porto, but West Ham are hopeful of securing his signature with a bid of around £15 million.
Despite the interest, Parrott has suggested he is happy in the Netherlands and not eager to return to England. In an interview with De Telegraaf, he said: 'Before I went to the Netherlands, I was completely focused on England. I dreamed of the Premier League. But once in the Netherlands, I discovered that the football world is a lot bigger than England.'
Reiss Nelson: surplus at Arsenal
Nelson, 26, is also on West Ham's radar as he appears surplus to requirements at Arsenal. The winger came through the Gunners' academy and has made 90 first-team appearances, but has played just once for Arsenal in the last two seasons. He spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Fulham and last season on loan at Brentford.
Nelson has returned to Arsenal and featured in pre-season, but is unlikely to see significant first-team action this coming season. West Ham are reportedly exploring a deal, though Fulham and Benfica are also credited with interest.
Impact on West Ham's squad
Adding Parrott and Nelson would give West Ham proven goal-scoring and creative depth as they aim for an immediate return to the Premier League. Parrott's prolific record in the Eredivisie suggests he could be a key figure in the Championship, while Nelson's Premier League experience—including loan spells at Fulham and Brentford—would add quality on the wing.
The club's recruitment strategy under Espirito Santo appears focused on blending experienced heads with young talent, as evidenced by the free transfer of Veltman and the permanent signing of Lamadrid. With the transfer window still open, West Ham fans will be eager to see if these deals materialize.
