How former Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe welcomed Reiss Nelson to Fulham, he said one thing

Add as preferred source on Google

Reiss Nelson has encountered a number of familiar faces since making his switch from Arsenal to Fulham. 

Reiss Nelson joined Fulham on a season-long deal on Transfer Deadline Day.

Having been on the books at Arsenal since the age of nine, it has been clear for some time that the winger does not feature heavily in Mikel Arteta’s plan.

Last season, the Spanish coach only afforded Nelson one Premier League start. At this stage in his career, the 24-year-old needs to be playing regular football and will be hoping for the opportunity to do just that at Craven Cottage. 

The switch to Fulham has allowed Nelson to remain in London, and a number of former Arsenal players were ready to welcome him to his new club.

Emile Smith Rowe left Arsenal earlier in the summer, joining the Cottagers himself. Former Arsenal duo Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno welcomed the midfielder to his new club, and now the Hale End academy graduate has repaid that favour to Nelson. 

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Emile Smith Rowe welcomes Reiss Nelson to Fulham

Fulham recently shared footage on the club’s official X account, documenting Nelson’s first day.

In this video clip, Smith Rowe is seen entering the player’s dressing room, approaching Nelson, embracing him in a hug, and can be heard stating that they have been “reunited.”

Smith Rowe and Nelson go back a long way. They are the same age and came through the academy system at Arsenal together at the same time. Both went on to make the grade at senior level for the Gunners, racking up plenty of first team appearances.

Now, for this season at least, their journey together shall continue.

Will Arsenal regret letting Nelson go?

Whilst Nelson was not a player Arteta relied upon particularly heavily, his presence in the Arsenal squad did provide a degree of cover for Bukayo Saka.

However, the Gunners addressed this issue with a Deadline Day loan signing of their own in the shape of Raheem Sterling, who arrived from Chelsea. 

Arsenal negotiated a favourable deal with Chelsea, and it can certainly be argued that Sterling, whilst he has something of a point to prove, represents an upgrade on Nelson.