Arsenal academy graduate Reiss Nelson has opened up about his transfer deadline day move to Fulham, describing it as an opportunity he “couldn’t turn down.”
The 24-year-old winger joined Fulham on a season-long loan after being persuaded by manager Marco Silva to be a part of his project for the 2024/25 season.
Reiss Nelson, who made the switch to Craven Cottage just before the transfer deadline, revealed the uncertainty surrounding the move and how his family played a key role in the process.
Speaking to FFCtv, he said: “Deadline day was a lot of waiting around. My brother is my agent so it was a bit easier because he lives around the corner from me.
“I was just waiting at his house and all of my family were there as well. It was a bit up and down, we didn’t really know what was going on, but I think I made the right decision in the end.”
Nelson’s decision to move came after a conversation with Fulham’s manager, who sold him on the club’s ambitions and style of play.
“I spoke with the boss and he convinced me about the project. It was something I couldn’t turn down. The boss likes to play out from the back. He likes inverted wingers that can play with either foot and combine with the striker. I think that complements where I want to play.”
The 24-year-old is no stranger to loan spells, having previously spent time with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga and Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
However, this latest move comes at a crucial time in his career as he seeks regular first-team football.
The loan move does not include an option to buy, meaning Nelson will return to Arsenal on July 1, 2025.
Nelson acknowledged the competition at Fulham but expressed his excitement about contributing to the club’s success.
“The ambitions are really high,” he said. “I think we have got great players in every position and that is something every team wants. That is something we can thrive on. We just want to play good attacking football, be able to go to any of the grounds and not be afraid of the top teams, and show what we can do.
“I think that will be really exciting for the fans.”
The late switch to Fulham came after a dramatic transfer deadline day in which multiple clubs were interested in Nelson.
Ipswich Town appeared to be leading the race for his signature, but the deal fell apart at the last moment.
Fulham capitalised, submitting a deal sheet just before the 11pm deadline and announcing the move at 1:30am BST.
Fulham co-owner Tony Khan expressed his delight at securing the winger’s services: “I’m very happy to welcome Reiss Nelson to Fulham Football Club! Reiss is a talented young player, and we’re excited that he’s joined the squad on loan. His arrival concludes a busy transfer window for the club, and we’re all looking forward to a great season ahead.”
The loan move was likely facilitated by Arsenal’s late decision to bring in Raheem Sterling from Chelsea on loan, which strengthened their attacking options and opened the door for Nelson to secure regular minutes elsewhere.
Nelson joins former Arsenal players Emile Smith Rowe, Alex Iwobi, and Bernd Leno at Craven Cottage, where he will be aiming to impress when he makes his debut after the international break.
With regular playing time in the Premier League on offer at Fulham, Nelson has the opportunity to show the player we all know is in there.
