Fulham are hoping to conduct some repeat business with Arsenal before the summer transfer window closes on Friday.
There are likely to be a number of exits from Arsenal between now and the denouement of Transfer Deadline Day.
Eddie Nketiah is set to leave Arsenal very soon, having been given permission to undergo a medical ahead of a move to Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Fabio Vieira will return to Porto on loan.
Of course, earlier this summer, Emile Smith Rowe bade farewell to the Emirates Stadium and joined Fulham, after having been on the books with the North London club since the age of ten.
The Hale End academy graduate has since hit the ground running at Craven Cottage. Many Arsenal stars congratulated Smith Rowe after he struck his first goal for his new club last time out in the Premier League.
It would seem that Fulham aren’t yet done with Arsenal for this summer, though.
Fulham return to Arsenal with Reiss Nelson interest
According to TeamTalk, Fulham now want to conduct business with the Gunners again. This time the West London outfit are keen to secure the services of Reiss Nelson.
It is thought that Arsenal would a demand a fee in the region of £20 million for the winger, were they to decide to let him go.
From the player’s perspective, this is a move that would make a great deal of sense, for all the same reasons that the switch suited Smith Rowe.
Nelson is only a bit-part figure at Arsenal. The 24-year-old was only afforded one Premier League start last season, and at this stage in his career he needs to be playing regular football. He isn’t going to get that kind of game time with the Gunners.
Joining the growing contingent of former Arsenal stars at Craven Cottage, where Smith Rowe was welcomed by Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno, may well hold some appeal for Nelson.
Mikel Arteta must hold firm on Nelson stance
Prior to this report of Fulham’s interest emerging, Arsenal were set on keeping Nelson. It is not yet known if the Cottager’s interest will seriously test their resolve to retain his services.
In truth, unless the Gunners can quickly line up at least one player to replace Nelson, there is no way they can countenance letting him go in what remains of this transfer window.
The exits of Smith Rowe, Nketiah, and Vieira will already leave Mikel Arteta’s attacking options significantly depleted.
Ian Wright has called for Bukayo Saka to be provided with more back up. As things stand, Nelson is offering what little cover there is for the 22-year-old. The Gunners need more options in that part of the pitch, not fewer.
Whilst Nelson is unlikely to play a huge part this season, and may well be allowed to leave in an upcoming window, his exit now would weaken Arsenal.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
