Fulham have reached an agreement with Arsenal for the transfer of midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to the PA news agency. The deal is reportedly worth an initial £27 million, with the potential to rise by an additional £7 million if certain performance-related targets are met.
This could potentially make the transfer a record-breaking deal for Fulham.
Smith Rowe, who is 24 years old and an England international, has been with Arsenal since he was 10, having risen through the ranks of the club’s academy. He is expected to undergo a medical examination soon, as the move progresses towards completion.
Fulham’s head coach, Marco Silva, is eager to finalize what would be a significant signing for the club. Smith Rowe was part of the England Under-17 squad that won the World Cup in 2017.
He made his senior debut for Arsenal at 18, coming on as a substitute in a Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava in September 2018. Just six days later, he made his first start in a Carabao Cup victory over Brentford.
During the 2021-22 Premier League season, Smith Rowe scored 10 goals in 33 appearances, showcasing his potential as a playmaker.
His development was further aided by loan spells at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield. However, injuries have since limited his opportunities to establish himself under Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta.
Fulham, who secured a 10th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, are looking to bolster their squad with Smith Rowe’s creative abilities.
Marco Silva hopes that this acquisition will add a new dimension to the team’s play and help them build on their successful campaign.
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