Arsenal’s stance on Reiss Nelson could soon come under pressure, with Fulham intensifying their efforts to land a left-winger this summer. The Cottagers have failed with a €30 million bid for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin, raising fresh questions about their ongoing pursuit of Nelson from the Emirates.
Nelson has been a long-standing target for Fulham, and Arsenal have remained open to offers amid internal reshuffling. But with Shakhtar rejecting Fulham’s proposal for Kevin, attention may swiftly return to Nelson, especially with Mikel Arteta yet to confirm his squad structure for the 2025/26 campaign.
Fulham to shift focus after failed Kevin bid?
According to Fabrizio Romano, Fulham tabled a €30 million offer for Kevin, a Brazilian winger who joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Palmeiras in 2023. That bid was rejected outright, with the Ukrainian club demanding a significantly higher fee for the 22-year-old after a breakout season that included 13 goal contributions.
While add-ons might have taken the total package close to €40 million, Shakhtar remain firm on their valuation. With negotiations now stalled, Fulham must reassess their left-wing shortlist, a list that continues to feature Reiss Nelson as a realistic Premier League-ready option.
Arsenal weighing Reiss Nelson role amid transfer reshuffle
Arsenal have already made significant attacking additions this window, including Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, with Eberechi Eze still a top target. As a result, Reiss Nelson’s future is increasingly uncertain, and the Gunners are prepared to sanction his exit if their £25–30 million valuation is met.
Internal discussions are ongoing, but Arsenal sources maintain that Nelson’s development hasn’t met expectations. Fulham’s interest, combined with the breakdown of the Kevin deal, may now give the North London club the leverage they need to move the winger on freeing up further space for incoming deals.
Sterling among Fulham’s wide options
Fulham’s recruitment department is also monitoring other fringe players at top-six clubs with Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling is another name on their radar. However, concerns over salary demands and long-term value have cooled immediate interest in both cases.
Kevin was viewed as a more dynamic, long-term solution. With that path now blocked, Fulham’s pursuit of Nelson could gain pace. For Arsenal, the resolution of Nelson’s future could unlock further manoeuvrability in their own window, especially as they continue to target elite attackers on the left wing.
What happens next for Arsenal?
Arsenal are expected to remain firm in negotiations for Reiss Nelson, but the growing market activity could force the issue. If Fulham return with a more aggressive proposal, potentially reaching the £30m range, the Gunners may green-light a deal. With squad depth already addressed, Arsenal’s focus is now on refining quality and raising funds for marquee targets like Eze and Rafael Leao.
