Arsenal has officially completed the transfer of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for a fee of £34 million, potentially rising to £41 million with add-ons. This deal marks a significant moment for both clubs, with Smith Rowe signing a five-year contract with Fulham until 2029, including an option for an additional year.Smith Rowe, 24, expressed his excitement about the move, stating, ‘I’m finally here and I’m very happy for myself and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I can start playing with my teammates’. The midfielder, who came through Arsenal’s academy, sees this as ‘an exciting project’ and ‘the perfect step’ for his career going forward.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared mixed emotions about the transfer. ‘I’m sad to see Emile leave, but I’m excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, where he needs to start playing and playing regularly,’ Arteta said. He praised Smith Rowe’s contributions to the club, noting, ‘Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him’.With Smith Rowe’s departure, Arsenal is reportedly looking to reinvest in their squad. The club is said to be close to agreeing a £25 million deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino. Additionally, Arsenal is considering options to strengthen their attack, with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres mentioned as potential targets.This transfer marks a new chapter for both Smith Rowe and Arsenal. For Smith Rowe, it presents an opportunity to revitalize his career after struggling for playing time in recent seasons. For Arsenal, it allows them to continue reshaping their squad under Arteta’s vision, as they aim to challenge for top honors in the upcoming season.
Key points
- Emile Smith Rowe has officially joined Fulham from Arsenal for £34 million, potentially rising to £41 million.
- Smith Rowe signed a five-year contract with Fulham until 2029, with an option for an additional year.
- Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed sadness at Smith Rowe’s departure but excitement for his new opportunity.
- Arsenal is reportedly close to signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad and considering other attacking options.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported transfer fee, with some sources quoting £34 million and others mentioning €31.
5 million (approximately £27 million).
This could be due to differences in reporting fixed fees versus potential add-ons.
