Report: Fulham eyeing summer move for Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe

Recent reports have emerged suggesting that Fulham are keen on signing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal. After falling out of Mikel Arteta’s favour in north London, the English international could be keen on making the move in search of regular first-team action.

Arsenal narrowly lost out on the Premier League to Manchester City for the second year on the bounce. However, this time out they got much closer to winning their first title in over a decade. It seems as though Arteta has found what he has to do with his squad and just needs the final pieces to build a title ‘winning’ side rather than a title ‘challenging’ one.

Emile Smith Rowe made his debut for Arsenal back in 2018 after graduating from the Hale End academy. Eventually, he broke out as an emerging and exciting young talent for the Gunners. However, after enjoying a standout 2021/22 campaign, the Englishman was struck down by injuries.

These absences led to his eventual decrease in time on the pitch, and he's merely played a bit-part role for the Gunners over the past two years. However, Smith Rowe still has something to offer. His capacity to manoeuvre through the defence despite his 6’2 stature is quite uncommon and a valuable quality to possess. 

Along with his dribbling, his ability to combine with his team-mates and his ability off the ball – in terms of positioning and defending actions – make him a valuable asset to any side.

After securing another mid-table finish last season, Fulham are looking to strengthen their side and believe that Emile Smith Rowe is a player they must bring in to improve the quality of their side.

Arsenal are keen on making additions of their own and must free up some of their wage budget to facilitate any arrivals. With players such as Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares having already been released, other key figures such as Thomas Partey and Eddie Nketiah are set to exit the club and Smith Rowe is now a part of that list. 

There is no definitive figure or price tag that has been discussed for the player. Arteta has not expressed any desire in letting the player go and has praised him for his quality despite having not played the 23-year-old Englishman for majority of the season.

While the English midfielder has been good for the Gunners on many occasions, it doesn't quite feel like there’s a place for him in the squad. With the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, etc. consistently putting in brilliant performances, it doesn’t look like Smith Rowe can find a place in this squad. Mikel Arteta's project is accelerating past him.

It could be in the best interest of both parties – the player and the club – to part ways in this transfer window. However, what will happen with the outgoings of Arsenal is something to see when the transfer window opens.

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