Marseille Transfer Plans Hit By Aguerd U-Turn And Reiss Nelson Setback

• Marseille have seen Nayef Aguerd (30) decide against joining Real Sociedad despite an agreement between the clubs and an apparent medical with the Basque side
• Marseille have submitted an offer to Arsenal for Reiss Nelson (26), but the reigning Premier League champions have reportedly rejected it
• With two and a half weeks left in the transfer window, OM are still searching for a way out for Aguerd and are still seeking their first signing of the summer

Marseille’s Summer Rebuild Stalls Under Financial Pressure

Marseille’s attempts to reshape their squad have suffered two separate blows, with Nayef Aguerd (30) pulling out of a proposed move to Real Sociedad and Arsenal rejecting an offer for Reiss Nelson (26).

The developments add to a difficult window for the Marseille hierarchy, who are working with extremely limited resources and are under significant financial constraints. The club are also still searching for their first signing of the summer while trying to move players on as part of a wider squad clear-out.

The latest setback follows just a few days after Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (31) turned down a move to Newcastle United, further underlining the difficulties OM are experiencing in offloading players.

🚨EXCL: 🔵⚪️🇲🇦 #Ligue1 |

❌ Nayef Aguerd ne signera finalement PAS à la Real Sociedad.

❗️ Malgré une visite médicale réussie et un accord trouvé entre les deux clubs, le défenseur marocain a décidé de décliner la proposition espagnole.

🤝 Après avoir échangé avec l’entraîneur… pic.twitter.com/g79oiPBWPO

— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 13, 2026

Aguerd Rejects Real Sociedad After Apparent Medical

Aguerd had appeared close to completing a switch to Real Sociedad, where he had reportedly even passed his medical. Marseille had previously reached an agreement with the Basque club, but the Moroccan defender has now decided not to proceed with the move.

The reversal followed a conversation between Aguerd and his future manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo. No details of that discussion have been disclosed, but Matarazzo is said to have persuaded the Kenitra-born player to change his mind.

The decision represents a major complication for Marseille, who had been hoping the transfer would go through as part of their summer clear-out. With two and a half weeks left in the transfer window, OM are back to square one with Aguerd, for whom an exit is still being pursued.

Nelson Targeted But Arsenal Turn Down Marseille Offer

Marseille have also made an offer to Arsenal as part of their attempt to sign Reiss Nelson (26). The London-born forward has been identified as one of OM’s targets as the club continue trying to strengthen despite limited financial flexibility.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Brentford, where he endured a difficult campaign. He made just 14 appearances, scored one goal and provided two assists for the Bees.

At 26, and after several consecutive loan spells – including time at Fulham and Feyenoord – Nelson may now be open to finding a more permanent home. Arsenal are reportedly willing to let him leave, but the reigning Premier League champions have rejected Marseille’s proposal.

Nelson, whose contract with his youth club runs until 2027, has also reportedly been presented with Marseille’s plans and has received an offer from the French club.

Transfer Snapshot