Crystal Palace are reportedly in discussions with Arsenal regarding a potential £15 million deal for winger Reiss Nelson. The 25-year-old academy graduate has struggled to secure consistent playing time at the Emirates Stadium. As a result, a move to Selhurst Park could offer him a fresh start. The potential transfer comes as both clubs navigate their respective strategies in the current transfer window.
Crystal Palace eye Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson
Crystal Palace have identified Reiss Nelson as a key target to reinforce their forward options. This follows the departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal in a £67.5 million deal earlier in the month. Crystal Palace have already agreed a £19.9 million move for Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino. This signals an ambitious end to the window under manager Oliver Glasner.
Nelson spent last season on loan at Fulham, but a hamstring injury cut his campaign short after 13 appearances. With Arsenal strengthening their attack this summer through the arrivals of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, the winger has slipped further down Mikel Arteta’s pecking order.
Reiss Nelson’s Arsenal Career
Reiss Nelson has made 90 appearances for Arsenal since his debut in 2017, with only 35 of those being starts. Injuries and fierce competition have stunted his progress. However, he is remembered for his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Bournemouth in 2023.
Arsenal are open to selling Nelson. His £100,000-per-week wages and two years left on his contract make the £15m deal an attractive piece of business. As a homegrown player, his sale would be recorded as pure profit under Premier League financial regulations.
Arsenal’s transfer strategy and financial considerations
Meanwhile, Arsenal continue efforts to trim their squad and balance finances after spending more than £250 million this summer. The potential departure of Nelson, along with ongoing talks over Jakub Kiwior’s move to Porto, highlights the Gunners’ strategy to remain competitive while meeting UEFA’s new Squad Cost Rule.
“Palace are in talks with Nelson’s representatives, and a deal could be finalised soon,” reported talkSPORT’s Alex Crook. “This move could be perfect for Nelson to showcase the talent that made him a standout youth prospect.”
Crystal Palace’s Europa Conference League ambitions
For Palace, the push for Nelson and Pino comes ahead of their Europa Conference League qualifier against Fredrikstad on Thursday. Oliver Glasner is keen to strengthen his squad after expressing frustration at the club’s slow activity in the market.
The potential acquisition of Reiss Nelson represents a strategic move for Crystal Palace as they aim to bolster their squad. For Arsenal, the sale aligns with their financial strategy to balance the books after a busy summer. The coming days will reveal whether the deal materializes, marking a new chapter for the 25-year-old winger.
