Emile Smith Rowe's career at Arsenal has officially come to an end. The 24-year-old's future had been uncertain after limited playing time over the past two seasons due to persistent injury struggles.
Smith Rowe joined Arsenal's academy at the age of ten and rose through the ranks to make 115 senior appearances for the club across all competitions.
Fulham expressed an interest in Smith Rowe early in the summer transfer window, which ramped up in the final week of July. Finally, Arsenal confirmed on Friday that Smith Rowe had departed the club to join Marco Silva's side on a permanent basis.
The three-time capped England international has agreed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage for a club record £34 million ($43.5m) including add-ons, with the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months.
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Emile Smith Rowe was one of Arsenal's most popular players in the dressing room. His popularity among players, fans and staff alike was undeniable, and although supporters had been aware for some time that he was likely to leave, Friday marked a bittersweet moment for many.
Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka emerged from the club's youth ranks together, making their first-team debuts at similar times and playing instrumental roles in head coach Mikel Arteta's efforts to revitalize Arsenal's fortunes.
In a heartfelt tribute to Emile Smith Rowe following his departure, Bukayo Saka took to Instagram to share his sentiments.
📲 Bukayo Saka on Instagram, following Emile Smith Rowe’s departure from Arsenal.
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 3, 2024
“From Hale End to the Emirates and all the memories on our journey. It’s been an absolute pleasure. Go and shine bro!” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZXqOn0PDdZ
The 2021/22 season was Smith Rowe's most productive season at the Emirates. He played the majority of that campaign on the left wing, scoring 11 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions.
MORE: Arsenal confirm Emile Smith-Rowe exit as transfer fee details confirmed