Fulham have completed the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for £27million.
The Gunners academy graduate has penned a five-year deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029. The deal includes a further 12-month option.
The north London side paid a touching tribute to the attacking midfielder when his switch was confirmed, with a montage of his face over the years as he has grown at the club.
Smith Rowe joined Arsenal’s academy as a 10-year-old before rising through the ranks and eventually going on to make 115 senior appearances for the side. He scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists.
His form over the 2021-22 season saw him earn an call-up to the full England squad, and won three caps for his country and scored in the 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Of late, Smith Rowe has seen his first team opportunities dwindle after a frustrating couple of seasons dogged by groin and knee injuries.
In his absence, Mikel Arteta has shaped his midfield at the club and it’s meant Smith-Rowe has seen little action since returning to fitness. He made only 19 appearances for the Gunners during the 2023-24 season – starting in just three Premier League games.
In a statement to the club’s website following the announcement, Smith Rowe stated his delight to finally complete the move and join a project he believes will suit his game.
‘I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment.’ He said. ‘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.’
