Arsenal’s summer transfer window has been nothing short of spectacular, with the Gunners splashing over £250 million to secure seven new signings, headlined by the marquee acquisition of Eberechi Eze. Other high-profile arrivals include Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, and Christian Norgaard, with a combined £33 million spent on the latter three. However, as the transfer deadline looms on September 1, 2025, the focus has shifted to outgoings, and a dramatic twist threatens to derail Arsenal’s carefully laid plans.
Reiss Nelson’s Uncertain Future
At the heart of Arsenal’s exit strategy is Reiss Nelson, the 24-year-old winger whose future at the Emirates Stadium hangs in the balance. Nelson, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, was poised to return to Craven Cottage, either on another loan or in a permanent deal. His previous stint was cut short by a hamstring injury requiring surgery, but his recovery had sparked renewed interest from the West London club. However, recent developments have thrown this potential move into serious doubt, leaving Arsenal reeling.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fulham are now advancing in talks to secure a double deal for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Kevin and AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze, with negotiations progressing rapidly. The combined cost of these transfers could exceed £56 million, with Fulham reportedly discussing a package worth over £34.5 million (€40m) for Kevin after multiple rejected bids, and a potential £21.6 million (€25m) for Chukwueze if signed permanently. This aggressive push for two attacking players significantly reduces the likelihood of Nelson rejoining Fulham, as their attacking ranks are already bolstered by players like Harry Wilson, Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney, Emile Smith Rowe, and Josh King.
Arsenal’s £71m Plan in Jeopardy
The potential collapse of Nelson’s move to Fulham is a significant blow to Arsenal’s broader transfer strategy, which reportedly included a £71 million plan to reshape their squad. With Porto actively pursuing defender Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal have been eyeing Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie as a potential replacement. However, the Gunners’ ability to fund such a move relies heavily on generating funds through player sales, an area where sporting director Andrea Berta has faced challenges.
Arsenal’s high valuations of their fringe players have deterred potential suitors, as seen with Stuttgart’s withdrawal from talks for Fabio Vieira, though Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring the midfielder’s situation. Nelson, with a reported valuation of around £15 million, has attracted interest from Crystal Palace, who have a long-standing admiration for the winger. According to football.london and other sources, the Eagles are in discussions for a permanent deal, but with Fulham’s focus shifting to Kevin and Chukwueze, Arsenal may need to act swiftly to secure an alternative exit for Nelson before the window closes.
Fulham’s Transfer Ambitions Shift the Narrative
Fulham’s pursuit of Kevin and Chukwueze has not only disrupted Arsenal’s plans but also highlighted the competitive nature of the transfer market. Shakhtar Donetsk’s rejection of earlier bids for Kevin, coupled with their recent agreement to sign Sao Paulo’s Lucas Ferreira for £10.4 million (€12m), suggests they may now be more open to negotiating Kevin’s departure. Meanwhile, Chukwueze, a long-term Arsenal target in the past, could be available for a relatively modest £21.6 million, making him an attractive option for Fulham as they look to bolster their attacking options.
The Cottagers’ transfer activity doesn’t stop there. Reports indicate they are also advancing in talks to sell striker Rodrigo Muniz to Atalanta for £34.5 million (€40m), which could provide the funds needed to finalize deals for Kevin and a potential replacement striker. With Raul Jimenez as their only recognized No. 9 following Carlos Vinicius’ departure, Fulham’s priorities appear to be shifting away from Nelson, further complicating Arsenal’s exit strategy.
Crystal Palace Emerge as a Lifeline
As Fulham’s interest in Nelson wanes, Crystal Palace have emerged as a potential lifeline for Arsenal. The Eagles, who are also closing in on Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino for up to £26 million, see Nelson as a valuable addition to their attacking ranks. With two years remaining on his Arsenal contract, a £15 million deal could be a bargain for Palace, who are also reportedly targeting Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott and their former midfielder Conor Gallagher. If Arsenal can secure this move, it could provide the financial flexibility needed to pursue Hincapie or other targets before the deadline.
A Test for Andrea Berta
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has been lauded for his work in securing high-profile signings, but the inability to offload fringe players at favorable prices has put his reputation to the test. The Gunners’ squad is bloated with players like Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard, and Albert Sambi Lokonga, all of whom have been linked with moves elsewhere. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints looming, Berta’s ability to navigate these final days of the transfer window will be crucial in determining whether Arsenal can maintain their momentum.
Conclusion
The dramatic twist in Reiss Nelson’s potential transfer to Fulham, driven by their pursuit of Kevin and Samuel Chukwueze, has left Arsenal’s £71 million transfer plan on the brink of collapse. As Crystal Palace step in to offer a potential solution, the Gunners face a race against time to balance their books and finalize their squad before the September 1 deadline. For North London, the transfer window’s final days promise to be anything but quiet, with Arsenal’s ambitions hanging in the balance.