Emile Smith Rowe, an offensive midfielder for Fulham, might fetch a cost as high as £34 million, setting a club record. This move represents a significant turning point for both teams.

Fulham have shocked the transfer market by officially announcing the signing of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal for a record fee that could reach £34 million ($43.7 million). This is not only the most expensive contract in Fulham’s history, but also Arsenal’s biggest player sale since Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool for £35 million in 2017.

Smith Rowe – 24 years old, becomes Fulham’s second new signing of the summer transfer window, following the return of Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer from Tottenham in July. The move shows Fulham’s ambition to strengthen their squad after selling João Palhinha to Bayern Munich.

Smith Rowe leaves Arsenal after 14 years.

Speaking about the move, Smith Rowe couldn’t hide his excitement: “I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family — it’s a great moment. I just wanted to get here as soon as possible so I could start with my teammates. After listening to the project, speaking to coach Marco Silva and seeing the players that are here, I think this is an exciting project for me and definitely the perfect step for my career in the future.”

Smith Rowe’s Arsenal career began in the club’s youth academy, making his first-team debut in September 2018 in a Europa League tie against Vorskla Poltava. Following loan spells at Huddersfield and RB Leipzig, the attacking midfielder established himself in the Arsenal first team in 2020. In total, Smith Rowe made 115 appearances for the north London club, scoring 18 goals and providing 13 assists.

He is a player who graduated from the Gunners academy.

However, Smith Rowe’s playing opportunities have been limited in the last two seasons due to groin and knee injuries, with just three of his 25 Premier League appearances coming as starts – all of which came last season. A move to Fulham is expected to help Smith Rowe regain his form and challenge for a place in the England squad, having already won three caps in late 2021 and early 2022.

Fulham sporting director Tony Khan said: ” I am delighted to announce the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe at Fulham Football Club! We are very excited to sign such a talented young player and we look forward to Emile joining the squad in Portugal as we continue our preparations for the new season ahead!”

For Arsenal, it is the highest fee they have received for a player who has graduated from their academy. Fulham had previously failed with a £30m bid, but eventually reached a deal that surpassed the previous club record of £27m paid for Ivory Coast midfielder Jean Michaël Seri in 2018.

The fee Fulham paid for Smith Rowe broke both clubs’ records.

The signing of Smith Rowe demonstrates Fulham’s ambition to strengthen their squad and compete in the Premier League. With his talent and potential, Smith Rowe is expected to play an important role in the club’s development plans in the future.

Fulham will kick off the new Premier League season with a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on August 16. Fulham fans will be eagerly awaiting the debut of expensive new signing Emile Smith Rowe in his new shirt.