Emile Smith Rowe, Arsenal's young and talented midfielder, was noticeably absent from the pitch during the Gunners' preseason game against AFC Bournemouth in Los Angeles. This development comes amid news of his impending £35 million ($45.1 million) transfer to Fulham.
Smith Rowe's move to the Cottagers, if completed, will set a record as the Premier League club's most expensive transfer ever.
The deal also matches Arsenal's previous highest sale when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain transferred to Liverpool seven years ago.
The 23-year-old is expected to undergo a medical soon, with only final terms left to be agreed upon. Fulham's improved offer, which came after Crystal Palace also showed interest in the player, seems to have sealed the deal.
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A new chapter beckons for Smith Rowe
Fans were expecting Smith Rowe to play in the match against Bournemouth, as he was named on the bench. However, manager Mikel Arteta did not include him among the 10 substitutes who played, sparking speculation that the transfer could be finalized imminently.
This move will potentially open the door for Riccardo Calafiori, a talented Italian defender, to join Arsenal. Calafiori's deal is reported to be worth £33.63 million ($43.34 million), with additional bonuses and a sell-on clause. The transfer is still under negotiation, with details between Basel and Bologna yet to be settled.
Smith Rowe's journey at Arsenal, which began in 2019, saw him make 115 appearances and score 18 goals, mostly during the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
Unfortunately, injuries have limited his playtime in recent years, with only three Premier League starts since August 2022. Despite these setbacks, Arteta remained supportive of the young star, stating that he would only allow Smith Rowe to leave if the player wanted to and if the offer was right.
As the deal with Fulham inches closer to completion, Smith Rowe is on the brink of a fresh start. For now, Arsenal fans will wait to see the official confirmation of his departure and the arrival of new faces like Calafiori to bolster their squad.
