'I'm sad' - Mikel Arteta opens up on latest Arsenal £34m transfer news

After weeks of speculation, it was finally confirmed that Arsenal graduate star Emile Smith-Rowe would be moving across London, signing with Fulham for a Cottager’s club-record fee of £27m, potentially rising to £34m with add-ons.

The transfer is reported to have left Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta feeling ‘sad’ but both the Spanish head coach and the club’s sporting director Edu Gaspar have been full of praise for the outgoing 24-year-old who has now officially ended his 14-year stay in N7.

The midfielder was limited to just three Premier League starts in the 2023/24 campaign and, as such, was keen to seek a home that would guarantee him more game time in the next season. Signing a five-year deal with the Craven Cottage, Smith-Rowe has now flown home from the Gunners pre-season tour in America to undergo his Fulham medical.

Speaking on the three-cap England international’s departure, Arteta said: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him. He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us. He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud.

“I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly. Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”

The club’s director of football Edu Gaspar also added to Arteta’s comments by saying: “He has been with us for many years, and we are so proud that he has developed through our Academy system into our first team.

"It has been a positive collaboration to find the right place for Emile, where he will continue to grow and make his mark on the Premier League. We have completed an important and positive deal for everyone. We thank Emile for everything he gave to Arsenal and we wish him well in the next stage of his career.”

Smith-Rowe will now shortly join up with his new teammates in Portugal ahead of their league opener against Manchester United on August 16.