Thierry Henry backs Reiss Nelson move to West Ham amid Arsenal legacy praise

Thierry Henry has backed West Ham’s interest in Reiss Nelson as the 26-year-old winger considers a loan return to London Stadium.

The Arsenal legend said he worked with Nelson at the club’s academy and was impressed by his desire, confidence and bravery on the ball.

Henry wrote in The Sun in September 2017 that Nelson has the attributes to succeed, noting his willingness to take risks and run at defenders.

West Ham are looking to strengthen their wide areas after the departure of Adama Traore and uncertainty over Taty Castellanos’ future.

Nuno Espirito Santo wants extra depth in attack, and Nelson’s familiarity with London could ease a potential move.

The Irons have shown promise in cup competitions but face a tough Championship campaign.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Brentford before returning to Arsenal, though it remains unclear if the Gunners will approve the loan terms West Ham seek.

How did Thierry Henry silence the Bernabeu in 2006?

On February 21 2006, Thierry Henry led Arsenal to a famous 1-0 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The goal came from a bold, attack-minded display despite a defensive injury crisis and inconsistent domestic form.

Arsene Wenger’s side had transitioned after the Invincibles era, with key departures weakening the squad.

Yet Henry’s performance ignited a run that saw Arsenal reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Barcelona.

It remained the first time an English team had won at the Bernabeu in European competition.

What did Thierry Henry say about Jose Mourinho and Vinicius Jr?

Thierry Henry criticised Jose Mourinho for not confronting alleged racism aimed at Vinicius Jr during a Champions League knockout play-off in February.

Vinicius scored the only goal as Real Madrid beat Benfica, then managed by Mourinho, at the Estadio da Luz.

The Brazilian accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of racist abuse, prompting a ten-minute pause and boos from the crowd.

Prestianni was later banned for the incident.

Henry said he could barely contain his fury at Mourinho’s refusal to address the allegations.

Who were the unsung heroes of Arsenal’s Invincibles era according to a youth teammate?

A former Arsenal youth player said Robert Pires and Nwankwo Kanu were overshadowed by Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira during the Invincibles season.

He recalled watching Bergkamp score at Newcastle while on the bench as a 17-year-old.

Pires won a World Cup with France in 1998 and claimed domestic titles and FA Cups with Arsenal.

Kanu was also cited as a player who would have shone more brightly at another club.

The youth player noted that training alongside World Cup winners and modern idols meant talent had to share the spotlight.

• Thierry Henry praised Reiss Nelson’s academy potential in 2017

• Henry scored the winner against Real Madrid on February 21 2006

• Henry criticised Mourinho’s response to racism claims in February 2026

• Pires and Kanu were noted as unsung Invincibles by a former youth player