Fulham sign Arsenal’s Smith Rowe for £34m

Premier League side Fulham have completed a club-record signing of England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.

The deal has seen Fulham pay an initial £27 million, plus £7 million in add-ons, with a total of £34 million representing a Fulham transfer record.

Fulham announced the signing of Smith Rowe via a statement on Friday.

Fulham stated: “The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee.

“An England international, Smith Rowe has penned a five-year contract, keeping him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029, with a Club option to extend by a further 12 months.

“A versatile attacking player, he primarily operated off the left wing or as a number 10 for the Gunners, but is also comfortable on the right, or in a slightly deeper midfield role.”

Speaking on the move, Smith Rowe said: “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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In Arsenal’s announcement about Smith Rowe joining Fulham, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta said: “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 returned to London on Tuesday from Arsenal’s pre-season tour in the United States to complete his medical.

Smith Rowe played only 346 minutes in the Premier League last season, making just three starts, with a knee injury ruling him out for six weeks in October.

The 24-year-old midfielder has won three senior England caps, the last in March 2022, but he was a member of the squad that won the UEFA European U21 Championship last summer.

Fulham are in Portugal for a pre-season training camp and it is hoped Smith Rowe will join up with them at some point during the camp.

The Star