Arsenal exploring deal with London rival after star failed to get any minutes vs Dortmund

Arsenal suffered a 3-2 loss to Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with one player's future up in the air after failing to play at all in the pre-season friendly

West Ham United are exploring the possibility of signing Reiss Nelson from Arsenal.

The 26-year-old remained on the bench for the duration of the Gunners' pre-season friendly loss to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, sparking further concerns regarding his future with the club.

The winger, who has spent the past two seasons on loan with Fulham and Brentford, has entered the final year of his contract in North London.

And with no place for him in Mikel Arteta's first-team, it appears as though he could be on the move once again this summer - albeit on a permanent basis.

West Ham are thought to be considering a season-long loan spell for Nelson, as per Sky Sports.

Given his contractual situation, however, Arsenal could insist on a permanent transfer to avoid losing him as a free agent to their London rivals in less than 12 months time.

It comes as major work is needed from the Gunners should they hope to defend the Premier League title they won in May this coming season.

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Pre-season has been a mixed bag for Arteta's outfit, kicking proceedings off with a bang via a 4-1 win over Girona earlier this month.

However, any momentum from that fixture was quashed on Wednesday evening, with the Gunners slipping to a 3-1 loss to Real Betis in shock fashion.

Sunday's agonising defeat at the Emirates Stadium, meanwhile, only added to doubts regarding Arsenal's capability this season.

The hosts slipped to a 2-0 deficit in the first-half thanks to strikes from Samuele Inacio and Konstantinos Karetsas, heading into the interval with substantial work to be done.

While Ethan Nwaneri gave his side a glimmer of hope after the break, Joane Gadou was quick to break down any momentum from the North London side just moments later.

Viktor Gyokeres coolly converted from the penalty spot with around 20 minutes remaining as Arsenal pushed on for at least a draw from the encounter.

And it looked as though Gabriel Martinelli had squared the match in the dying embers, only to see his strike ruled out as offside in controversial fashion.

Up next for Arsenal is one last pre-season friendly with Como come Wednesday, August 12. They then meet Manchester City in the Community Shield just four days later, before their Premier League season kickstarts with Coventry City at home on Friday, August 21.