In a developing transfer saga, Fulham’s efforts to sign Arsenal’s young talent Emile Smith Rowe are continuing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Cottagers had their initial bid for the midfielder rejected by the Gunners. However, this setback hasn’t deterred Fulham, who are now contemplating a new and improved proposal to secure one of their primary targets.
Fulham, fuelled by the sale of Joao Palhinha, are keen to make a major signing of their own ahead of the new Premier League season and Smith Rowe tops their list.
A highly-rated product of Arsenal’s youth academy, Smith Rowe has attracted significant interest from several clubs this summer and a move is likely with the player keen to progress his career with more first team football.
Fulham, buoyed by the funds received from the Palhinha deal, are reportedly prepared to invest a substantial portion of their budget to bring the 23-year-old to Craven Cottage. The attacking midfielder is seen as a key addition to strengthen their squad for the upcoming Premier League season.
Adding to the intrigue, a source has told Fresh Arsenal that Fulham remain the frontrunner in this race and are confident of tying up a deal this month, despite interest and a bid from Crystal Palace.
The consensus is that an enhanced offer from Fulham, expected imminently, could be sufficient to finalise the transfer before the end of the month.
This move highlights Arsenal’s willingness to part with Hale End graduates this summer, with Reiss Nelson (West Ham) and Eddie Nketiah (Marseille) also subject of interest.
Arsenal are keen to ensure their first Hale End sale sets a precedent, hence standing firm on their valuation of Smith Rowe. The expectation is that £35million would be enough to seal the deal.
For Arsenal, the potential departure of Smith-Rowe signals a shift in their strategy and squad composition under Mikel Arteta. The funds from his sale could be reinvested in other areas, potentially bringing in reinforcements as the Gunners aim to challenge for top honors domestically and in Europe.
Mikel Merino is amongst the names linked that could come in and replace Emile, with the Euro 2024 winner capable of playing in the left eight role Smith Rowe struggled to make his own.