David Ornstein: Fulham Close to Agreeing Deal for Arsenal Winger | OneFootball

Fulham Push for Reiss Nelson Return as Talks with Arsenal Advance

Fulham Eye Reunion with Reiss Nelson

Fulham are closing in on a deal to bring Reiss Nelson back to Craven Cottage following a productive but injury-hit loan spell last season. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, the London clubs are locked in advanced talks, with negotiations focused on either a loan with an option to buy or a permanent transfer.

“If it was to be a loan, Arsenal would prefer an obligation to purchase at the conclusion,” Ornstein notes. That caveat may well be a sticking point in what otherwise appears a mutually beneficial agreement.

Fulham, still quiet in the transfer market this summer, are eager to add attacking reinforcements after the departures of Willian and Carlos Vinicius. Nelson, 25, fits the mould of a wide player who can inject pace and creativity—qualities Marco Silva’s side sorely missed in the second half of last season.

Nelson’s Time at Arsenal Nears Its End

Having made just 90 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2017, Nelson has struggled to cement a regular place. His recent lack of involvement—just two starts in the Premier League and Champions League in 2023-24—signals that his future lies elsewhere.

His current Arsenal deal runs until summer 2027, with an option to extend by 12 months, but the Gunners’ recent activity in the transfer market paints a clear picture. “The Englishman’s potential Arsenal departure comes with Arsenal strengthening their forward line, having signed Noni Madueke from Chelsea and reached an agreement to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres,” writes Ornstein.

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It’s clear that Arsenal’s focus is shifting toward younger, dynamic attackers with higher ceilings and more consistent fitness records.

Last Season’s Loan Cut Short by Injury

Nelson joined Fulham on deadline day last summer and made an immediate impact, appearing in 13 consecutive games before a hamstring injury in December curtailed his campaign. That promising run gave Fulham fans a glimpse of his quality—direct dribbling, neat link-up play, and a strong work rate off the ball.

His injury history has been a constant theme, however. “That came following a season in which he suffered with injuries and featured only 18 times across all competitions, scoring three goals,” Ornstein adds.

Fulham’s Summer Strategy Begins to Unfold

With no new signings yet and the squad short in wide areas, a return for Nelson makes strategic sense. His familiarity with Silva’s system and evident potential make him a low-risk, high-upside option—if he can stay fit.

The move isn’t done yet. As Ornstein points out, “An agreement between the teams is now close, but it is not guaranteed and work still needs to be done for the proposed switch to materialise.” But there is momentum, and both clubs seem motivated to get this over the line.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Fulham fans, the potential return of Reiss Nelson is both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking. On one hand, his initial loan spell showed flashes of the quality supporters crave in wide areas—intelligent movement, the ability to beat a man, and positional versatility across the front three. Marco Silva values players who can stretch the pitch and commit defenders, and Nelson fits that brief.

However, there’s understandable hesitation given his fitness record. A hamstring injury ended his loan spell prematurely last season, and it wasn’t the first time injuries have hampered his development. Fulham need depth, yes—but they also need availability.

What’s encouraging is Nelson’s familiarity with the squad and the system. That kind of continuity is rare in modern transfer windows. And with Willian’s departure, there’s a clear vacancy on the wing that Nelson could fill. The deal structure also matters—many fans would favour a loan with a reasonable purchase clause rather than an upfront obligation, especially given the risk profile.

Overall, it’s a move that makes sense for both sides. For Nelson, it’s a chance to rebuild his career at a club where he’s already appreciated. For Fulham, it could be a shrewd piece of business that adds dynamism and depth without breaking the bank.