Fulham will reportedly prioritise signing 23-year-old Arsenal homegrown midfielder Emile Smith Rowe in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by the Daily Telegraph, Emile Smith Rowe is the subject of interest from Fulham. The Cottagers are keen on signing a versatile midfielder in the summer transfer window. The 23-year-old Arsenal homegrown player has thus emerged as a target for the West London club.
Emile Smith Rowe and his topsy-turvy Arsenal ride
Emile Smith Rowe has seen his progress come to a grinding halt in the last two seasons. A native of London, the Englishman has been with Arsenal since 2010 and rose through the ranks at the North London club. He made his first-team debut for Arsenal as an 18-year-old in September 2018 but rose in prominence after Mikel Arteta took charge of the first team.
However, persistent fitness issues have scuppered Smith Rowe’s progress, and he has barely featured for Arsenal in the last two seasons. The 23-year-old homegrown player managed less than 500 minutes of game time across 19 appearances in all competitions, chipping in with two assists.
So, it is hardly surprising that Smith Rowe faces an uncertain future at Arsenal heading into the summer transfer window. Recent reports have claimed that the Gunners have identified the versatile English midfielder as one of the candidates for their upcoming summer fire sale. Such a situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several clubs, including Fulham.
From North London to West London?
Fulham’s interest in Emile Smith Rowe is understandable. The 23-year-old Arsenal homegrown player can be a top-notch addition to the offensive department amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Willian and Bobby De Cordova-Reid. In addition, he can be an option for the central roles.
So, the Englishman has emerged on Fulham’s radar, with the West London club identifying him as a priority target for the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal will unlikely stand in Smith Rowe’s way if a suitor can present an attractive offer.
Recent reports have claimed that the 23-year-old homegrown player wants to stay at Arsenal despite falling in stature at the Emirates. So, it will be interesting to see what the future has in store for Smith Rowe amid the links with Fulham.
