Reiss Nelson has broken his silence on a loan move to Fulham on transfer deadline day as a last-ditch effort.
The 24-year-old has struggled for opportunities at Arsenal in recent years, playing just 257 minutes in the Premier League last season.
The Hale End academy graduate appeared to be destined to feature as a backup to Bukayo Saka until the Gunners signed Raheem Sterling.
This allowed Reiss Nelson to leave, with Ipswich Town leading the way in the final hours of the transfer window.
Despite Kieran McKenna’s big-money signings, the Premier League newcomers were seeking for ways to boost their squad even more.
Nelson would have been the final addition to the Portman Road squad, but a move to Fulham was preferred instead.
Reiss Nelson discusses deadline day transfer to Fulham
Nelson has spoken for the first time since leaving Arsenal to join Fulham about how his deadline day went and why he selected Craven Cottage in particular.
“To be fair, there was a lot of waiting around, you know,” the winger told Fulham’s media. “My brother is my agent, so it was a little easier because he lives around the corner, and I was waiting at his house; the entire family was also there.
“It was a little up and down, and I had no idea what was going on, but in the end, I believe I made the correct 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, signing Nelson on loan is an opportunity to improve the squad while also scouting a possible star signing for the following summer if he impresses.
Mikel Arteta has made it obvious over the last year or so that the winger is not part of his intentions to compete with Saka on the right.
At Craven Cottage, he has the opportunity to recapture his best form and maybe win a move to the club or re-enter the Arsenal picture.
As for Ipswich and their unsuccessful attempt to sign Nelson, there is already plenty of talent in the forward areas, with Chiedozie Ogbene the most recent signing on that wing.
It may, however, hint at Wes Burns’ injury status, given he has been out of play this season.