Fulham
Image credit: Getty Images
Fulham have submitted a formal approach to Arsenal in a bid to re-sign winger Reiss Nelson, with the west London club eager to bring the 25-year-old back to Craven Cottage for the 2025/26 Premier League season, according to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Nelson, an Arsenal academy graduate, spent last season on loan at Fulham, and the two clubs are now locked in discussions over another deal. While Fulham are exploring a fresh loan move, Arsenal are said to prefer a permanent transfer or at least a loan that includes an obligation or option to buy, as Nelson enters the final two years of his contract.
Speaking onThe Transfer Show, Sheth explained: “Fulham have approached Arsenal over the signing of forward Reiss Nelson. Nelson was on loan at Craven Cottage last season but a hamstring injury meant he didn’t play from December onwards. Fulham are exploring another loan. It is likely Arsenal will want a permanent element attached. He has two years left on his contract.”
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Nelson made 12 appearances for Fulham during his 2024/25 loan spell, scoring two goals and assisting once before a hamstring injury in December, followed by surgery in February, curtailed his season. Despite the setback, he impressed under Marco Silva, who remains a strong admirer of the winger. Nelson has spoken positively about Silva’s influence on his development, which has become a key factor in Fulham’s push to bring him back.
Arsenal
Reiss Nelson spent last season on loan at Fulham (Image credit: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s stance reflects their broader summer strategy under sporting director Andrea Berta, focused on streamlining the squad and raising funds. With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and new signing Noni Madueke ahead of Nelson in the attacking hierarchy, opportunities at the Emirates appear limited.
The Gunners, who depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on Saturday, are reportedly keen to resolve Nelson’s future swiftly. The club’s preference for a permanent exit, potentially structured as a loan with a future fee clause, is reinforced by Nelson’s current contract, which runs until 2027, with an option to extend to 2028. That long-term deal allows Arsenal to command a fee in the region of £15–20 million, particularly given Nelson’s homegrown status.
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Fulham, meanwhile, remain the only Premier League club yet to make a summer signing. While they are interested in reuniting with Nelson, they face hurdles in meeting Arsenal’s valuation and the player’s £100,000-per-week wages. Negotiations are ongoing over possible wage contributions and performance-based incentives.
While a loan deal suits Fulham’s cautious approach given Nelson’s recent injury history, Arsenal’s insistence on a permanent element could complicate discussions. There has been speculative interest from Crystal Palace and Leicester City, but neither club has advanced talks, leaving Fulham as the clear frontrunners.
Nelson is said to be open to the move, particularly given his positive experience at Craven Cottage and his desire for regular first-team football, a prospect that appears unlikely at Arsenal in the upcoming campaign.
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