Fulham have beaten Ipswich Town to the loan signing of Arsenal winger Reiss Nelson in a deal that paves the way for Raheem Sterling to join the Gunners from Chelsea.
The Cottagers were always intent on signing a winger on deadline day and had an agreement in place for the £16million signing of Ernest Nuamah, but that hit a late snag. Fulham promptly turned attentions to Nelson, which saw newly promoted Ipswich miss out.
Arsenal made Nelson available on loan for this season, and the deal with Fulham has no option nor obligation to buy. Fulham boss Marco Silva has pushed the club to add a wide player to their squad ahead as the transfer window approaches its close.
That deal will free up a spot in the Arsenal squad for Sterling, who had his medical at London Colney late on deadline day ahead of switching to the Gunners from Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta worked with Sterling at Manchester City and Sterling over Nelson will be viewed as an upgrade to his attacking options.
Nelson was restricted to just one Premier League start last season and 14 substitute appearances for Arsenal last season.
The 24-year-old has been linked with West Ham, Crystal Palace and original suitors Ipswich this summer but he has moved to Craven Cottage after being guaranteed more regular football.
