Arsenal are reportedly poised to match their biggest ever sale, with Emile Smith Rowe being lined up for a £35 million ($45m) transfer to Fulham.
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners have grown accustomed to making elaborate purchases down the years, but they do not always recoup those funds when moving players on. They are, however, ready to do notable business with London neighbours.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
According to The Athletic, England international playmaker Smith Rowe is ready to tread a path from north of the capital and head out to the west. There is still plenty to be agreed in order for a switch from Emirates Stadium to Craven Cottage to be put in place.
DID YOU KNOW?
Smith Rowe will have to agree personal terms with Fulham and pass a medical before linking up with the Cottagers. He is, however, seemingly ready to take on a new challenge after seeing injuries and fierce competition for places restrict him to just three Premier League starts since August 2022.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted that transfer talks regarding Smith Rowe are underway, telling reporters after a 1-1 friendly draw with Bournemouth: “Yeah, there are things happening in the background at the moment and we decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game.”
WHAT NEXT?
Smith Rowe had also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, but Fulham are now leading the race for his signature and a £35m deal would see Arsenal bring in a fee to match that received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.
Source goal.com
