Mikel Arteta has paid an emotional tribute to Emile Smith Rowe as the Hale End graduate departs North London to join Fulham.
After spending his entire playing career at Arsenal, the 24-year-old has departed the Emirates Stadium to join Premier League rivals Fulham for a reported £34 million deal including add-ons.
The English midfielder was a standout graduate after bursting into the team in the Europa League in 2018 and was a bastion of hope for many fans, alongside Bukayo Saka, during that down period in Arsenal’s recent history.
But after suffering several injuries and struggling to regain fitness, Smith Rowe has found it very difficult to get back up to pace with Arteta’s title-challenging side, making it increasingly difficult to justify his position in the starting eleven.
With the Spanish manager now faced with the unenviable task of beating Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side to the title, Arteta has made the cut-throat decision to allow the 24-year-old to leave.
Speaking after the deal was announced, the Arsenal manager paid tribute to the midfielder and wished him luck at his new club.
“I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.” He said via the Standard.
BREAKING: Fulham have completed a club-record signing for Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal ✍🔴 pic.twitter.com/qhYGwJ1HWQ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 2, 2024
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