EXCLUSIVE: Nelson explores Bundesliga move amid Arsenal frustration

Steve Kay

Updated: 11 Nov 2024 08:36 GMT
4 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Reiss Nelson is frustrated with his current situation and is looking to secure a permanent move in 2025.

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The Arsenal homegrown completed a season-long loan to Fulham on summer Deadline Day, but there is no option or obligation for the Cottagers to make the move permanent, so he will return to north London at the end of the season.

So far, Nelson has failed to establish himself at Craven Cottage. He only made his first Premier League start of the campaign against Brentford on Monday and is frustrated that he has not been able to break into the side consistently.

It is a continuation of his struggles at Arsenal where he never became more than a squad player despite having shown promise out on loan at Hoffenheim in 2018/19 and Feyenoord in 2021/22.

According to sources, Nelson has reached out to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, expressing his desire for a permanent transfer to a club where he can truly establish himself following his loan at Fulham.

We hear that Germany, in particular, tops the winger's list of potential destinations, as he makes a concerted effort to get his career back on track.

Representatives of Nelson have already made contact with several Bundesliga clubs, we can reveal. Two sides known to have been approached by the player's camp are Bayer Leverkusen, the team of former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, and Union Berlin.

Nelson keen on Bundesliga return

The winger’s interest in the Bundesliga isn’t new. As mentioned, he had a stint on loan with Hoffenheim where he made a good impact as a teenager. He was named Player of the Month in his first month at the club and was the third-youngest player to reach five Bundesliga goals.

For Nelson, the urgency to revive his career is greater than ever. Sources close to the player suggest that he sees the Bundesliga as the ideal place to do so, and his past experience in Germany has only reinforced that belief.

Reflecting on his time at Hoffenheim, Nelson previously spoke in glowing terms about the club, crediting the stint with helping him mature both on and off the field.

“The whole experience at Hoffenheim was special,” he said. “I’ll always look back and be grateful I went on loan. It gave me the chance to show everyone what I can do.”

As Nelson seeks a new beginning, a permanent move to Germany could provide the platform he needs to finally unlock his full potential and put his career back on a positive trajectory.