Arsenal’s Smith Rowe joins Fulham

Fulham have completed the signing of England midfielder Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal on a five-year contract, with the deal announced on Friday. The transfer will see Smith Rowe stay at Craven Cottage until the summer of 2029, with an option to extend for an additional year.

While the exact transfer fee has not been disclosed, the BBC estimates the total value at £27 million ($35 million, €32 million), with an additional £7 million in add-ons, making it a record transfer for Fulham at £34 million.

The 24-year-old, who joined Arsenal’s academy at age 10, made 115 senior appearances for the Gunners. Despite his contribution, game time was limited last season as Arsenal finished as runners-up in the Premier League.

Smith Rowe expressed his excitement about joining Fulham, stating, “I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family — it’s a good moment.” He added, “I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my team-mates.”

Fulham, who finished 13th in the Premier League last season, are seen by Smith Rowe as an exciting opportunity. He mentioned, “Listening to the project, speaking to the manager (Marco Silva), and seeing the players we have here, I think it’s an exciting project for me and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his sadness at Smith Rowe’s departure but supported his decision to pursue more regular playing time, saying, “I’m sad that Emile is leaving us but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career.”