Reiss Nelson has broken his silence on a loan switch to Fulham on transfer deadline day as part of a last-gasp move.
The 24-year-old has struggled for chances in recent years at Arsenal, racking up just 257 minutes in the Premier League last season.
The Hale End academy graduate looked set to play back-up to Bukayo Saka once again until the Gunners sealed a move for Raheem Sterling.
That freed up the space for Reiss Nelson to exit, with Ipswich Town the frontrunners for the final hours of the transfer window.
The Premier League newcomers were looking at ways to strengthen their squad even further, despite some big-money signings for Kieran McKenna.
Nelson would’ve been a final addition to the side at Portman Road, but it never went through as a switch to Fulham was preferred instead.
Reiss Nelson discusses deadline day transfer to Fulham
For the first time since he left Arsenal to join Fulham, Nelson has discussed how deadline day panned out for him and why he chose a move to Craven Cottage specifically.
“To be fair, a lot of waiting around, you know,” the winger told Fulham club media. “My brother is my agent so it was a bit easier as he lives around the corner and I was waiting at his house, all the family was there as well.
“It was a bit up and down, didn’t really know what was going on but in the end, I think I made the right decision.
“Spoke with the boss [Marco Silva] and I think he convinced me about the project and that was something I couldn’t turn down.”
What Reiss Nelson deal means for Fulham and Ipswich
For Fulham, the deal to sign Nelson on loan is an opportunity to bolster the squad while also looking at a potential star signing for the following summer if he impresses.
It’s been clear over the past year or so that the winger hasn’t been in the plans of Mikel Arteta as competition to Saka on the right.
At Craven Cottage, there’s a chance to rediscover his best form and potentially earn a move there or put himself back in the frame at Arsenal.
As for Ipswich and their failed attempt to land Nelson, there is already plenty of quality in the forward areas with Chiedozie Ogbene the latest addition on that flank.
It may, however, hint towards the injury status of Wes Burns, who has been out of action so far this season.
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