Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, expressed his sadness following the announcement of Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham for £34 million. Smith Rowe, a 24-year-old midfielder, ends his 14-year association with Arsenal, making him the club’s most expensive academy-grown player to depart.
Smith Rowe has signed a long-term contract with Fulham, which includes an upfront payment of £27 million and an additional £7 million in potential add-ons. He is expected to make his debut in a friendly against Sevilla on Monday. Smith Rowe left Arsenal’s pre-season training camp in the United States to complete his medical examination and join the Fulham squad in Portugal, eager to make an immediate impact after playing only 25 Premier League games since August 2022.
Arteta, who had heavily relied on Smith Rowe during the early years of his managerial tenure at Arsenal, stated, “I’m sad that Emile is leaving us. But I’m 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’s commitment, attitude, and energy every day were first-class, always stepping up when the team needed him. He was crucial during a challenging period for us, making significant contributions that resonated with our supporters. Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves with our gratitude, respect, and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”
This transfer marks a record fee for Fulham and is Arsenal’s most significant sale since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s £35 million move to Liverpool in 2017. Despite his deep connection with Arsenal, Smith Rowe was keen to secure more playing time to enhance his chances of making the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. He has one goal in three appearances for the England senior team, with his last appearance in March 2022.
Sporting Director Edu also commented, “Emile is loved by us all at the club. He has been with us for many years, and we are proud of his development through our Academy into the 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 wish him well in the next stage of his career.”
Arsenal plans to reinvest the funds from this sale, having already spent £42 million on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. The club is also targeting a midfielder and a winger, with negotiations ongoing for Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Mikel Merino. Arsenal expects to finalize Merino’s transfer for a fee between £25 million and £30 million, as he has only one year remaining on his contract with Sociedad.
