Winger’s Transfer to Fulham Advances as Gunners Shift Focus.

Reiss Nelson Edges Closer to Fulham Return Amid Arsenal Reshuffle.

Fresh Chapter for Nelson?

Fulham are in advanced talks with Arsenal about re-signing winger Reiss Nelson, The Athletic reports. It is still unclear whether the deal will take the form of a loan with an option or obligation to buy, or a permanent switch outright.

Arsenal is said to prefer a loan with an obligation to buy at the end. Negotiations are progressing but not yet completed. “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 with Fulham after signing on deadline day. He appeared in 13 consecutive games before a hamstring injury ended his season in December. His last Arsenal appearance came in August, as a substitute against Aston Villa.

According to the Athletic, Fulham rekindled their interest in Nelson on June 10. So this move has been in the works for a while.

Limited Impact at Arsenal

Despite signing new terms in July 2023 that keep him at Arsenal until 2027 with the option to extend, Nelson has struggled to establish 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 appeared in 23 games but started only two in the Premier League and Champions League combined. He scored once.

New Faces Signal Departure

Nelson’s path to regular minutes appears to be blocked as Arsenal strengthens their frontline by signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea and agreeing to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

The Englishman, who was a member of Arsenal’s FA Cup-winning squad in 2019-20 and has made 90 appearances for the club, may be looking for a new challenge.

Fulham, who have yet to make a summer signing and have lost Willian and Carlos Vinicius on free transfers, could provide the ideal restart.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Fulham fans will be optimistic but also cautious about this development. Reiss Nelson impressed in his brief stint last season with his speed, work rate, and flair before an injury halted his progress.

Bringing him back could be a wise decision, especially with the departures of Willian and Vinicius leaving a void in the attacking areas. There is some concern about 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, especially since the club can’t afford more long-term absentees.

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