Arsenal and Fulham are nearing an agreement for Emile Smith Rowe, potentially equalling the Gunners’ record sale, as reported by David Ornstein.
After rejecting a £30 million offer for the academy graduate, Arsenal received an improved bid from Fulham worth up to £35 million.
Should the deal go through, it would match Arsenal’s largest sale to date, previously achieved with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s move to Liverpool. It would also set a new record for Fulham’s highest transfer fee.
Ornstein earlier indicated that while Mikel Arteta and Arsenal preferred to offload other players, they wouldn’t obstruct Smith Rowe’s transfer if he desired it and the offer was appropriate.
Smith Rowe still needs to complete a medical and finalize personal terms, but he is expected to get more playing time at Craven Cottage compared to the Emirates Stadium.
Smith Rowe’s transfer would be entirely profit for Arsenal since he came through their academy.
Smith Rowe played a key role for Arsenal during the 2020/21 and 21/22 seasons when the team was in a period of transition.
However, during the subsequent two title campaigns, he struggled with injuries and saw his playing time reduced due to Granit Xhaka’s resurgence, and the arrivals of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.
Even after Havertz shifted to a forward role, Arteta favoured a midfield combination of Martin Odegaard, Rice, and Jorginho.
Since August 2022, Smith Rowe has only started three Premier League matches. The England international has made 115 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 18 goals since his debut in 2019.
If the transfer is finalized, Arsenal will still need to bolster their midfield depth and find a left-sided playmaker.
Fans have often criticized the team for being too static last season compared to the previous year when Xhaka played that role.
Arteta’s team has been linked with Mikel Merino this summer and has already agreed to a deal with Bologna for Riccardo Califiori.
Leicester City is also reportedly interested in another Arsenal academy product, Reiss Nelson.
