Report: Arsenal and Fulham in talks to complete double deal

Arsenal and Fulham are in active discussions over a potential double transfer deal that could see two players make the switch.

Arsenal have made several signings already but now may need to shift some players before further acquisitions occur. Those attempts to raise funds could be really boosted with both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Reiss Nelson tipped to make the short trip across London to Craven Cottage.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Fulham has now approached Zinchenko, with talks first beginning with the Ukrainian’s camp in early June. Arsenal are reportedly open to offers of around £15million for the 28-year-old, and Fulham are now weighing up a formal bid.

This follows The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting that Reiss Nelson was already in advanced talks to join Fulham, though the final structure of that potential move remains under discussion.

It’s not the first time Fulham have been linked with the duo. Similar reports emerged earlier this summer, with suggestions the Cottagers were exploring a combined swoop for both players back in June.

Should Arsenal succeed in offloading both Zinchenko and Nelson permanently, they could raise around £30million in transfer fees and remove over £200,000 per week from their wage bill — providing significant flexibility as the club shapes its squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

While there has been some speculation that Arsenal may consider keeping Zinchenko as cover at left back amid Riccardo Calafiori’s ongoing fitness assessments, that scenario seems increasingly unlikely.

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The Gunners already have multiple options who can play on the left side of defence, including Calafiori himself, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

With Zinchenko now firmly surplus to requirements and just one year remaining on his contract, Arsenal risk losing him for free next summer if they don’t capitalise on Fulham’s interest now. The positive relationship between the two clubs could help facilitate a smooth deal, with Fulham also keen to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.

We think there could well be substance in this one, so stay tuned to our Arsenal transfers section for all the latest as it develops.