Arsenal have confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe has left the club to join Fulham on a permanent deal.
The Gunners were expected to move a number of their players on in this window. Many haven’t been in Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans for a while now.
Smith Rowe’s future has been up in the air for quite some time, and Fulham have been really keen to sign him since the start of the summer transfer window.
Now, the transfer has been made official, and many Arsenal players have shown Smith Rowe some love on social media.
Arsenal’s William Saliba and Declan Rice send messages to Emile Smith Rowe
Friday has been a sad day for Arsenal fans.
Everyone knew that Smith Rowe was on the verge of leaving Arsenal, but the official news made many supporters really emotional.
The Englishman is a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium. He has been adored since breaking into the side under Arteta many years ago.
Now, the 24-year-old’s time as an Arsenal player has come to an end, and it is a real shame that he hasn’t been able to fulfil his potential.
Smith Rowe is a popular figure at Arsenal – not just among the fans but also within the club. Everyone loved him and he will be missed.
After the news was announced, several Arsenal players took to Instagram to wish Smith Rowe the best for his future at Fulham.
Declan Rice wrote on his Instagram Story: “Going to miss you brother!”
William Saliba posted: “Wish you all the best brother!”
Eddie Nketiah said: “Love you, my boy!”
Finally, Aaron Ramsdale has claimed: “My number 10. Going to miss sitting next to you every day!”
Arsenal may have made one mistake in Smith Rowe deal
As sad as it is for Arsenal fans to see Smith Rowe leaving, this is the right time for both parties to go their separate ways.
Injuries really troubled the Englishman in his final two seasons at Arsenal. That hampered his progression and he ended up losing his place in the side.
However, Smith Rowe is still a sensational player, and if he can stay fit, he is going to be an absolute superstar at Fulham in the coming years.
Arsenal have received an initial fee of £27 million for Smith Rowe with a further £7 million in add-ons. They have a sell-on clause inserted in the deal as well worth over 10 per cent (Fabrizio Romano).
The one other thing Edu could’ve potentially negotiated is a buy-back clause as there’s every chance Smith Rowe will fulfil his massive potential in the coming seasons.
That decision may prove to be a mistake in a few years’ time, especially if another big English club ends up signing him from Fulham.
