Emile Smith Rowe Joins Fulham from Arsenal in Club-Record £34 Million Deal

Emile Smith Rowe's 14-year association with Arsenal has ended as he departs to join Fulham on a five-year contract for a reported club-record £34 million fee. This move marks Fulham's second significant summer signing, following the high-profile departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich. Fulham kicks off their season with an away match against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Smith Rowe, a 23-year-old midfielder, has signed a five-year contract with Fulham, including an option for an additional year. This transfer comes as a welcome reinforcement for Marco Silva's side, particularly after Palhinha's exit. Speaking to FFCtv, Smith Rowe expressed his excitement about the move: “I’m finally here, so I’m happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m 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 the perfect step for my career going forward.”
Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal after making 115 appearances and scoring 18 goals for the Gunners' senior team. His departure ends a 14-year stay at the club, where he progressed through the academy. Despite interest from Crystal Palace, Fulham secured his signature. Injuries have hindered his progress in recent seasons, limiting him to just three Premier League starts for Arsenal since August 2022. His final appearance for Arsenal was in a 2-1 win over Everton on the last day of the 2023-24 season.
Arsenal sporting director Edu paid tribute to Smith Rowe, saying, “Emile is loved by us all at the club. He has been with us for many years, and we are so proud that he has developed through our Academy system into our first team. It has been a positive collaboration to find the right place for Emile, where he will continue to grow and make his mark on the Premier League. We have completed an important and positive deal for everyone. We thank Emile for everything he gave to Arsenal, and we wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
Mikel Arteta omitted Smith Rowe from Arsenal's 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly with Bournemouth, amidst growing speculation of his transfer. Arteta added, “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. 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. Everyone at the club loves Emile and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect, and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”
Smith Rowe has three senior England caps, scoring once in a 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021. He has also won the U17 World Cup in 2017 and the U21 European Championship in 2023 with England. At the club level, he has won the Community Shield twice, in 2020 and 2023.

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