David Ornstein: Arsenal favourite close to record £35m move

Arsenal‘s academy graduate and fan favourite, Emile Smith Rowe, is reportedly on the brink of a club-record £35 million transfer to Fulham.

The deal, if finalised, would match Arsenal’s biggest sale and mark a significant milestone for the 23-year-old midfielder.

According to David Ornstein, talks between the two Premier League clubs are in advanced stages, focusing on a transfer fee of up to £35 million. Should the clubs reach an agreement, Smith Rowe will undergo a medical and finalise personal terms before completing the move.

This development comes after Crystal Palace also expressed interest in Smith Rowe, but Fulham appears to have gained the upper hand in securing his services.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking after the recent friendly match against Bournemouth where Smith Rowe remained on the bench, acknowledged ongoing discussions surrounding Smith Rowe’s future, stating, “Yeah, there are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today.”

Smith Rowe’s potential departure comes after a challenging period for the midfielder. He has struggled with injuries and fierce competition for places in Arsenal‘s attack, limiting him to just three Premier League starts since August 2022. Despite a promising start to his Arsenal career, with 12 goals in 53 top-flight games in 2020-21 and 2021-22, his progress has been hampered by injury setbacks.

The £35 million fee, if agreed upon, would represent a significant profit for Arsenal, as Smith Rowe is a product of their academy. This sale would also equal their previous record sale of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

While the transfer is not yet finalised, the prospect of Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal for Fulham is gaining momentum. If the deal goes through, it will be a significant moment for both clubs and a turning point in the young midfielder’s career.

It will also be a sad day for most Arsenal fans to see Emile leave.