Italian Serie A club AS Roma have formally joined the pursuit of Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson, setting up a potential transfer battle with Premier League side Fulham.
Roma Sporting Director Massara Identifies Nelson as Key Target
The 25-year-old Englishman has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Gunners and is poised to leave the club before the summer transfer window closes.
Roma’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, has identified Nelson as a strategic target to bolster the team’s attacking options.
Massara’s established connections with intermediaries and agents in the Premier League have facilitated this interest.
Italian reports specifically highlight Nelson’s speed and dribbling ability as attributes well-suited to Serie A’s demands.
Fulham had already opened negotiations with Arsenal, aiming to secure Nelson after his loan spell at Craven Cottage during the 2024/25 season.
Nelson contributed one goal and two assists in 13 appearances for the Cottagers before a hamstring injury cut his campaign short. However, the two London clubs have so far failed to reach a suitable agreement.
Arsenal are insisting on a permanent transfer, valuing Nelson at least £20 million despite his Transfermarkt valuation of £14 million.
The club believes this fee is justified, especially given his status as an academy graduate whose sale would represent pure profit under Profit and Sustainability Rules.
With under two years remaining on his contract, which pays £100,000 per week, Arsenal see little benefit in another loan deal.
While Roma have demonstrated spending capability this summer with significant signings like Wesley and Neil El Aynaoui, they are also focusing on financially sustainable moves.
This could include proposing a loan with an obligation-to-buy deal. Any transfer would likely require Nelson to accept reduced wages.
With the transfer window deadline approaching, Arsenal are pushing for a swift resolution to Nelson’s future as manager Mikel Arteta finalizes his squad. The competition between Roma and Fulham now sets the stage for a decisive negotiation phase.
