Arsenal transfer latest: Why Reiss Nelson loan exit "makes more sense" than permanent move amid Fulham talks

Reiss Nelson leaving Arsenal on loan this summer would make more sense than a permanent exit for the Hale End graduate, Gunners expert Charles Watts has told Sports Mole.

The former England youth international was called up to Mikel Arteta's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia after recovering from a serious hamstring injury, and he came on in the second half of Wednesday's 1-0 win over AC Milan in Singapore.

Nelson's appearance at the National Stadium saw the winger earn his first minutes of 2025 after he picked up a severe injury midway through his loan spell at Fulham last season, missing the second half of the campaign as a result.

However, the Cottagers are now believed to be in talks to re-sign Nelson on another loan deal, and as Watts is certain that the 25-year-old will eventually leave Arsenal, he is keeping his fingers crossed that a return to Craven Cottage works out for him.

“I think they probably would have bought him on a permanent basis had he not got the injury," Watts said. "He was doing well there, making his mark. I know Fulham fans who thought he was doing very, very well, he was dangerous whenever he was on the pitch. It doesn't surprise me that Fulham are quite keen to have another look at him.

Nelson Fulham transfer "a very good move" for Arsenal and player

“Fingers crossed this time for them, for Arsenal and for Reiss most of all that he can stay fit, because he showed last season what he can do when he's getting regular game time. He's a very good player, there's no doubt about that. So it doesn't surprise me at all, that one.

“I think it's a move that he would be very happy with - he's a London boy. I always think if he is ever to leave Arsenal, and I'm sure it will happen at some stage, it will be to stay in London. He likes his home comforts, so I think it would be a very good move for all parties. I hope that one happens as well.”

Nelson's hamstring problem restricted him to just 12 appearances for Fulham in the 2024-25 season, where he produced two goals and one assist for Marco Silva's side in all tournaments, and he had started to earn the manager's trust before entering the treatment room.

The Englishman was making his fifth successive Premier League start when he suffered his season-ending injury against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 5, and Fulham are already a man light in attack thanks to Willian's exit on a free transfer.

Nelson is only contracted to the Gunners for another two seasons with an option until 2028, and another loan move would be his fourth away from the Emirates following temporary stints at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord in previous years.

Why Arsenal loan exit makes more sense than permanent move for Nelson

While some Gooners may be questioning why Arsenal are not selling Nelson permanently, Watts can envisage a scenario where the attacker's value shoots up next summer if he enjoys a productive and injury-free 2025-26 season at Craven Cottage.

“He’s literally missed half of the season," Watts added. "If he hadn't got injured last season, I think he would have left on a permanent deal this summer. But it's quite hard for clubs who are considering spending quite a bit of money on him to look at it and think, well, he didn't play for the last six months. How is this hamstring injury? Is it worth the risk?

“If he only had one year left, it would be much more of an issue for Arsenal. But he has still got two years with an option to extend by another. So Arsenal don’t have to be in a rush to sell. And his value at the moment, because he's missed six months, is not going to be that great.

“If he goes to Fulham, has a full season there, stays injury-free, plays well, comes back and still has potentially another two years left on his deal with that option, then his value is going to be far higher. I know everyone wants permanent deals and money in the bank, but I do think this one makes more sense for it to be another loan.”

Since coming through Arsenal's academy ranks, Nelson has registered eight goals and nine assists in 90 senior appearances for the Gunners, including an unforgettable late winner in their 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Emirates in 2023.

> Click here to listen to the full discussion on Nelson's Arsenal future

Written by
Ben Knapton