Reiss Nelson's long Arsenal journey has come to an end, with the Gunners agreeing to terminate the academy graduate's contract by mutual consent.
The 26-year-old is now a free agent after Arsenal decided to release him with immediate effect, bringing an end to a relationship that began when Nelson joined the club's academy as a youngster.
From Hale End to the first team
Nelson spent 18 years with Arsenal after progressing through the club's youth system.
He signed his first professional contract in December 2016 before making his senior debut in 2017. Across his Arsenal career, the winger made 90 first-team appearances, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists.
He also collected winners' medals from Arsenal's 2020 FA Cup triumph and the 2017 and 2020 Community Shield victories.
Loans shaped the later years
Despite his early promise, Nelson struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at the Emirates.
He spent time away from Arsenal with Hoffenheim, Feyenoord, Fulham and Brentford, gaining experience in Germany, the Netherlands and the Premier League.
His most recent campaign came at Brentford, where injuries and limited opportunities restricted him to 13 appearances in all competitions.
Why Arsenal let him go
Nelson had entered the final year of his Arsenal contract, with the club also holding an option to extend his deal.
There had been discussions with West Ham United over a possible transfer, but those talks failed to produce an agreement.
Rather than keep the winger at the club without a clear route into the first team, Arsenal and Nelson decided that terminating the contract would allow him to find a new opportunity as a free agent.
A new chapter awaits
Nelson can now consider his next destination without a transfer fee being involved.
There is interest in the winger from clubs in England and abroad, but he is expected to take his time before deciding where his career continues.
For Arsenal, meanwhile, his departure closes the book on one of the final links to an earlier generation of the squad.
Nelson may not have reached the heights predicted for him as a teenager, but his 18-year association with the club and memorable moments in an Arsenal shirt ensure he leaves with a place in the club's history.
An Arsenal academy story that began nearly two decades ago has officially reached its final page.
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