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Arsenal on the cusp of selling versatile attacker who Mikel Arteta ‘loves’ in £35m deal

Fulham are on the cusp of completing a club-record deal to sign Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to The Athletic.

Fulham previously had a bid worth £30 million rejected by the Gunners.

Both clubs are now close to finalising a deal worth £35m, which would smash Fulham’s record purchase and match Arsenal’s highest sale.

The Gunners received the same fee when they sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool in 2017.

Smith Rowe has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium in search of regular playing time.

While Crystal Palace held initial interest, Fulham have emerged as the front-runners, successfully manoeuvring themselves into pole position to secure his signature.

Smith Rowe’s imminent departure would represent pure profit on Arsenal’s books, handing the club financial breathing room to navigate the transfer market.

Once heralded as one of the finest talents to come through Arsenal’s Hale End Academy, injuries and inconsistency have stunted Smith Rowe’s development at the Emirates.


He has also fallen down the pecking order in Mikel Arteta’s team, despite the manager describing him as a player he ‘loves‘ in April.

A lack of playing time has contributed to the player’s desire to leave the club, with Fulham able to offer regular first-team football.

The transfer remains subject to a medical and finalisation of personal terms between Smith Rowe and Fulham.

If all goes smoothly, the 23-year-old academy graduate is poised for a fresh start at Craven Cottage, bolstering Fulham’s attacking options under Marco Silva.

Smith Rowe has started just three times in the Premier League since August 2022. He featured 19 times across all competitions and contributed two assists last term.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are on the cusp of completing only their second signing of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners have finally ironed out the fine details in their quest to land Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, and an announcement is expected in the coming days.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.

This article was written by .

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