Crystal Palace are moving quickly to reshape their squad after the departure of talisman Eberechi Eze, and their response has shocked many in the Premier League. Just days after sealing Eze’s £67.5 million switch to Arsenal — where he will reportedly earn £100,000 a week — Palace are now in advanced talks with the Gunners over the signing of Reiss Nelson in a deal worth around £15 million.
From Losing a Star… to Taking One Back
The South London club had no choice but to watch one of their brightest ever talents, Eberechi Eze, leave Selhurst Park for Arsenal in one of the biggest deals of the summer. His departure left a huge void in Palace’s attack and, for supporters, a bitter taste after watching a fan favourite walk away at the peak of his powers.
But in a dramatic twist, Palace have wasted no time in going directly back to Arsenal — the very club that poached their star man — to find a replacement. The target? Reiss Nelson, the once highly-touted academy graduate who has struggled to break into Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.
Nelson’s Stalled Arsenal Career
Nelson, 25, has long been regarded as a player with talent to burn. After loan spells at Hoffenheim and Feyenoord, he returned to Arsenal with hopes of establishing himself. However, despite flashes of brilliance, he has found himself on the fringes, often overlooked in favour of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard.
Now, with Arsenal pushing ahead into a new era and adding even more firepower, Nelson’s opportunities have dwindled. A move to Palace could offer him the fresh start his career desperately needs — and give the Eagles a ready-made winger with Premier League experience.
Why Palace Want Him
Crystal Palace see Nelson as a low-risk, high-reward option. At £15 million, he represents a fraction of the fee they received for Eze, while still offering proven top-flight ability. His pace, direct dribbling, and ability to play across the front line make him an ideal candidate to step into Palace’s new-look attack.
For manager Oliver Glasner, the signing would not just soften the blow of losing Eze — it would also send a strong message that Palace will not simply roll over after being raided by bigger clubs.
What It Means for Both Clubs
• For Arsenal: Offloading Nelson would clear space in the squad and bring in funds after their record-breaking spend on Eze.
• For Palace: Landing Nelson would be seen as a quick-fire response, proving they can attract quality players even after losing their star man.
Fan Reaction
The news has already sparked a mixture of intrigue and excitement among fans. Some see Nelson as a gamble given his inconsistent Arsenal career, while others believe a change of scenery could finally unlock his potential.
One Palace fan summed it up on social media:
“We lost Eze, but getting Nelson would be the perfect comeback. Imagine Arsenal regret letting him go while we rebuild stronger.”
Final Word
This transfer twist is one of the most intriguing stories of the window: Crystal Palace, still smarting from losing a £100K-a-week star to Arsenal, now look set to raid the Emirates in return. If the deal goes through, Nelson will have the chance to prove himself all over again — and Palace may just turn heartbreak into opportunity.