Arsenal’s swap deal proposal suffers blow as Mikel Arteta eyes next big transfer

Last updated Jul 28, 2025

Arsenal are going after Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and had considered using Reiss Nelson as part of the deal – but the winger is now in negotiations to join another of their London rivals

Arsenal’s next summer target is Eberechi Eze(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal had been hoping to use Reiss Nelson in a swap deal that could’ve seen them land Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze – but the player is now in advanced talks to move to Fulham.

Nelson spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage and discussions between the Gunners and their London rivals hinge on either a loan deal with an option to buy, which would include a significant fee, or a permanent transfer. An agreement is thought to be close, but not guaranteed, reports the Athletic.

Nelson made himself a fixture under Marco Silva and played in 13 consecutive games for Fulham before suffering a season-ending hamstring injury in December. His contract at Arsenal ties him down until 2027, but he has very much fallen out of favour with the Gunners continuing to eye new recruits in the final third.

Fulham have yet to make a signing this summer but have seen Willian and Carlos Vinicius leave on free transfers, which has only increased their need to bring in new faces, especially in attack.

Arsenal, having now got a deal for Viktor Gyokeres over the line, are ready to increase their efforts to land Eze. The winger has just put himself into the Palace history books after scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final.

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However the Eagles face a fight to keep their leading light, who has long been linked with a move away. Eze has made himself a regular England international and Arsenal believe he can add even more quality to their attack having seen moves for Nico Williams and Rodrygo cool this summer.

Eze’s preference is a move to the Emirates, as per The Independent, and those close to the player are confident a deal to take him to Arsenal will be completed in the next few weeks.

The Gunners hope to secure a deal for £60million, rather than the reported £68m release clause, but the chances of giving Palace Nelson to appease them looks to be fading.

Reiss Nelson spent last season at Craven Cottage

It has previously been claimed that Arsenal were pushing for a deal that would involve three instalments of £20m. Throughout the summer the north Londoners have been linked with adding a wide forward to provide competition for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

Last summer Palace lost Michael Olise, who was a key figure in attack, to Bayern Munich. 12 months on and they’re also battling to keep captain Marc Guehi with his contract winding down and Liverpool circling as they look to take advantage of the situation.