DONE DEAL: The Club is delighted to confirm the signing of the best number 10 from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee
With great pleasure, the Club announces Emile Smith Rowe’s acquisition from Arsenal for an undisclosed sum. Smith Rowe, an England international, signed a five-year deal that will keep him at Craven Cottage through the summer of 2029, with a 12-month option to extend with the club. A flexible striker, he played most of his career as the Gunners’ number 10 or off the left wing, but he also felt at ease on the right or in a somewhat deeper midfield position. Following his signing, Smith Rowe remarked, “I’m finally here, so I’m really thrilled for me and my family-it’s a good time,” in an interview with FFCtv. I really wanted to come here as soon as possible so I could because I’m extremely eager.”I’m happy to announce Emile Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham Football Club,” Tony Khan continued. Emile will be joining the team in Portugal as we continue to get ready for the upcoming season, and we are thrilled to have signed such a gifted young player! Hurry up, Fulham! Smith Rowe, a native of London who turned 24 on Sunday, was born in Croydon, ten miles from the Cottage, and enrolled in the Arsenal program ten years later. Before spending a brief loan period in Germany with RB Leipzig in the second half of the season, he made six appearances in the UEFA Europa League and League Cup in 2018–19, scoring an amazing three goals in those games. That was his first taste of senior football.
Smith Rowe made a name for himself at his parent club in 2020–21, making 33 appearances in all competitions and assisting the Gunners to the Europa League Semi-Finals. He was honored with the number 10 shirt for his performance that year. He enjoyed the responsibility, finishing the season with 11 goals for the club and prominence on the international scene. In 2021/22, he made three appearances for Gareth Southgate’s team and scored once. He was included in the England side for the 2023 Under-21 European Championship a year later, and he helped the Young Lions win the championship by scoring in their first two group matches. In his last season at the Emirates, he made 19 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal narrowly defeated eventual champions Manchester City.