Winger’s Transfer to Fulham Advances as Gunners Shift Focus | OneFootball

Reiss Nelson Edges Closer to Fulham Return Amid Arsenal Reshuffle

Fresh Chapter for Nelson?

Fulham are in advanced talks with Arsenal over a move to re-sign winger Reiss Nelson, according to a report by The Athletic. Whether the deal takes shape as a loan with an option or obligation to buy, or as a permanent switch outright, is still to be decided. Arsenal are said to favour a loan with an obligation to purchase at the conclusion.

Negotiations are progressing but not yet finalised. “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.”

Familiar Ground at Craven Cottage

Nelson, 25, spent the first half of last season at Fulham after joining on deadline day. He featured in 13 consecutive matches before a hamstring injury ended his campaign in December. His last appearance for Arsenal came earlier that August, as a substitute against Aston Villa.

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The Athletic reported that Fulham had rekindled their interest in Nelson as early as June 10. This move, then, has been some time in the making.

Limited Impact at Arsenal

Despite penning fresh terms in July 2023 that tie him to Arsenal until 2027 with an option to extend, Nelson has struggled to impose himself in Mikel Arteta’s plans. “That came following a season in which he suffered with injuries and featured only 18 times across all competitions, scoring three goals.” In 2023-24, he made 23 appearances, but only two starts in the Premier League and Champions League combined. He scored once.

New Faces Signal Departure

With Arsenal strengthening their frontline by signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea and reaching an agreement to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Nelson’s path to regular minutes looks increasingly blocked. The Englishman, who was part of the FA Cup-winning side of 2019-20 and has 90 Arsenal appearances to his name, may now seek a new challenge.

Fulham, who have not yet made a summer signing and lost both Willian and Carlos Vinicius on frees, could offer the perfect restart.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Fulham fans will be expectant but also a touch cautious about this development. Reiss Nelson impressed in his short spell last season with his pace, work rate and flair before his injury halted progress. Getting him back could be a smart move, particularly with the departures of Willian and Vinicius leaving a void in attacking areas.

There is some concern over his fitness record. “The attacker then featured in 13 consecutive games for Fulham before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in December.” That’s a red flag, particularly when the club cannot afford more long-term absentees.

Still, this potential deal, even if it begins as a loan with obligation, reflects a level of ambition from Fulham that fans have been asking for. With Marco Silva staying and needing wide options who know the system, Nelson’s return makes sense. He knows the dressing room and offers Premier League experience, something they’ll need after a quiet summer window so far.

Whether it’s enough to help Fulham push into the top half or simply stay above the drop zone remains to be seen, but supporters will back this move if Nelson stays fit and finds form.