Arsenal pre-season
Image credit: Getty Images
Sunderland have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, setting up a potential transfer battle with Bournemouth and other suitors, according to multiple reports.
The 25-year-old Hale End academy graduate, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, has emerged as a target for the newly-promoted Black Cats as they look to reinforce their squad for the 2025/26 Premier League campaign. However, they face stiff competition from Bournemouth, who have held direct talks with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta through their head coach, Andoni Iraola.
Nelson, who is under contract at Arsenal until 2027, is considered surplus to requirements at the Emirates. The Gunners are open to a permanent transfer, reportedly valuing the versatile winger at over £20 million including add-ons. Due to Nelson’s homegrown status, any fee received would count as pure profit under Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, a key factor in Arsenal’s summer plans.
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Despite his potential, Nelson has struggled to establish himself under Arteta, with injuries hampering his progress. He made just 12 appearances for Fulham during his loan spell last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist before a hamstring injury ended his campaign prematurely.
Arsenal - Reiss Nelson
Reiss Nelson (Image credit: Getty Images)
Sunderland’s interest is part of an ambitious transfer strategy spearheaded by owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and new sporting director Florent Ghisolfi. The club has already invested over £89 million this summer on signings including Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, and are also exploring a high-profile move for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka. Adding Nelson would offer manager Régis Le Bris a proven Premier League attacker, with the winger having made 89 appearances for Arsenal, scoring eight goals and assisting nine.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, remain a strong contender. The Cherries view Nelson as an option to compete with Antoine Semenyo, who recently signed a long-term contract amid interest from bigger clubs. Iraola’s hands-on involvement in negotiations highlights Bournemouth’s intent to land the Arsenal winger, who is reportedly keen to remain in the Premier League.
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Crystal Palace have also been linked, with suggestions Arsenal could explore a player-plus-cash deal involving Nelson in their ongoing pursuit of Eberechi Eze. However, no formal proposal has been made. Fulham retain an interest after Nelson’s loan spell but are reportedly unwilling to meet Arsenal’s valuation or the player’s £100,000-a-week wage demands. A loan return could still be possible if Arsenal agree to subsidise his wages.
Nelson is currently in Spain with the Arsenal squad for pre-season training and has looked sharp in sessions alongside teammates as he recovers from injury. With friendlies against AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur approaching, Nelson may get a final opportunity to impress, though his long-term future appears increasingly likely to lie away from north London.
Arsenal’s continued pursuit of attacking reinforcements, including Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, further signals that Nelson’s time at the club may be nearing an end.
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