Smith Rowe would become Arsenal’s second-most expensive sale of all time.
Emile Smith Rowe has officially left Arsenal after signing a new deal with a rival club, Fulham. They have completed the signing of an English midfielder in a club-record deal.
The 24-year-old left the club after spending 14 years. He has won trophies at Etihad and was a vital figure under Mikel Arteta. He joined the first team in the second half of the 2020-21 season, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League.
He faced competition from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Martin Odegaard held down the number 10 slot. He played 19 times for Arsenal last season, including three starts in the Premier League.
The England international travelled to the USA for Arsenal’s pre-season tour, but he has not been involved in any of the fixtures. Smith Rowe has been officially announced as a Fulham player on a five-year contract. The Gunners are likely to get an initial £27m fee, which could rise to £34m in performance-related bonuses.
Smith Rowe would become Arsenal’s second-most expensive sale of all time, only behind Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35m switch to Liverpool in 2017.
Arteta and sporting director Edu told to the Gunners website: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him.
“He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.
“I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly. Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”
Smith Rowe speaks to FFCtv after completing the signing: “I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates.
“Listening to the project, speaking to the Manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”
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