Arsenal have reportedly accepted Fulham’s £34m bid for attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
The Englishman enjoyed two good seasons at the Emirates, with his value soaring particularly during the 2021/22 season when he scored ten league goals, becoming the first graduate of the club’s academy to hit double figures since Cesc Fabregas.
However, he has become a peripheral squad member since suffering an injury two seasons ago. In two seasons, he has made just 25 league appearances, occasioned by niggling injuries and the form of other players.
There were suggestions Arsenal would send him on loan in January, but the Gunners’ coach, Mikel Arteta, elected to keep him at the Emirates for another six months.
However, after growing dissatisfied with a bit-part role at Arsenal, Smith Rowe feels it’s time to leave the Emirates. As we reported two weeks ago, Arsenal, who were willing to sell him if the right offer was made, rejected Crystal Palace’s offer for the midfielder.
However, according to Sky Sports, Fulham have met Arsenal’s valuation of the player, with the North London club accepting a £34m package from the Cottagers. Per the report, Marco Silva’s side will pay a £27m fixed fee, with a further £7m coming in add-ons.
The deal will represent a club record signing for Fulham, and a medical for the 24-year-old has already been booked this week. Once the deal is wrapped up, Fulham are expected to return with an improved offer for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay.
WHAT TOP SIX FOOTBALL THINKS
Emile Smith Rowe is undoubtedly a talented player. He proved his worth at Arsenal in the 2021/22 season when he scored ten goals in the Premier League, becoming the first Hale End graduate since Cesc Fàbregas in 2009–10 to hit double figures in a season.
With opportunities now limited at the Emirates, it will be in the midfielder’s best interest to leave for greener pastures elsewhere. Doing so could resurrect his career and also help fund Arsenal’s pursuit of players in other areas of the pitch.
Arsenal will also benefit from his departure, as they would be able to invest the money from his sale in other areas of the pitch.
