Fulham are closing in on a deal to sign Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe for £35 million, according to The Athletic.
The Cottagers are set to break their transfer record to sign the Croydon-born star. He would also be Arsenal’s record sale, matching the sum they received when they sold Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Liverpool.
Smith Rowe has struggled for game time at the Emirates and is set to leave the club this summer. He can find the perfect landing spot in West London.
Smith Rowe started only three matches last season in the Premier League, making 13 appearances. The season before, he didn’t start any league games.
Injuries have played a large role in his struggles, blighting his consistency and rhythm.
Arsenal have also bolstered his positions with players like Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard, forcing him down the pecking order.
However, he will be eager to put behind those injury woes for a new adventure under Fulham boss Marco Silva.
Smith Rowe fits in with Silva’s philosophy. The manager loves to have versatile players capable of playing different positions, and the Arsenal star fits the bill.
Silva knows how to squeeze terrific performances out of his stars, and the Hale End Academy product might be the next to benefit from his magic.
The 23-year-old can adeptly succeed Brazilian winger Willian, who turns 36 next month and has not yet signed a new deal.
Smith Rowe will want to return to the top form he showed during the 2021/22 season, in which he bagged ten goals and two assists in 33 league appearances.
Arsenal reportedly turned down a bid from Fulham last week. However, the Cottagers have kept negotiations going and want to wrap up a deal soon before agreeing on personal terms and medicals.
Crystal Palace were interested in Smith Rowe’s services, but Fulham are now leading the race for his signature.
The two London clubs will reportedly fight again for another Arsenal player, Reiss Nelson, who is reportedly on both teams’ transfer radar.
