Fulham have signed Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for a reported £34 million ($43.7 million), making it the club’s most expensive signing in history.
Smith-Rowe, 24, becomes Fulham’s second permanent transfer of the summer as they look to reinvest the money they made following the return of Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer in July and Joao Palinha’s move to Bayern Munich.
“I’m really happy to finally be here, for me and my family, it’s a great moment,” Smith Rowe said of the move.
“I’m really excited and wanted to get here and work with my teammates as soon as possible.
“Hearing about the project, talking to the manager and seeing the players who are already here, I think it’s an exciting project and the perfect step for my future career.”
The attacking midfielder came through the club’s academy and made his Arsenal debut in a Europa League tie against Vorskla Poltava in September 2018, before breaking into the first-team following loan spells at Huddersfield and RB Leipzig in 2020.
He made 115 appearances for the north London team, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists.
Smith Rowe took to Instagram on Friday to bid farewell to Arsenal.
“To the Arsenal family, I don’t know where to begin. This is the most difficult message I’ve ever written to all of you,” he said.
“When I first signed for the club I was just a kid, ten years old and had no idea that I would go on to make over 100 appearances for Arsenal and wear the iconic number 10.
“I’m ready for a new challenge now, I’m hungrier than ever and I need to give myself the chance to take the next step. So thank you again to the Arsenal family. I will always be grateful to you all.”
Fulham’s sporting director, Tony Kahn, said of the club’s move: “We are delighted to welcome Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham Football Club!
“We are delighted to have signed such a talented young player and are looking forward to welcoming Emil to the Portugal squad as we prepare for the new season ahead!”
Fulham begin their Premier League season with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on August 16.
This article was contributed by ESPN’s James Olley.
