'Deal done' - Crystal Palace and Newcastle United beaten to £34m transfer by Premier League rivals

Crystal Palace and Newcastle United have been beaten to the signing of Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe by Premier League rivals Fulham.

The Cottagers have officially announced the arrival of the midfielder from the Gunners after a breakthrough in negotiations this week - the fee is believed to be around £34 million. Smith-Rowe was known to have flown back to London from the Arsenal pre-season camp in the USA to complete a medical.

It's a significant move for the 24-year-old, who has been with Arsenal since 2010, when he was just 10 years old. Smith-Rowe went on to make 115 appearances for the club's first team but had struggled for game time in recent seasons.

It emerged that the North London outfit were prepared to cash in on the player this summer despite having another two years on his contract. There was no shortage of Premier League interest in the player's services.

Crystal Palace appeared to be the club most likely to challenge Fulham for the move, having lost their own attacking midfielder Michael Olise to Bayern Munich this summer. Eberechi Eze is also linked with an exit and The Guardian had reported that Oliver Glasner's side had entered the transfer race in July, moved into action by a Fulham bid.

Newcastle United are another side who have long been linked with interest in Smith-Rowe. NewastleWorld reported this week that the player had 'been tracked' by the Magpies over the past 12 months ahead of a rumoured exit.

Smith-Rowe made just 13 top flight appearances last season and will no doubt hope to see more game time under Marco Silva at Fulham. On joining the Cottagers, he said: “I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates.

“Listening to the project, speaking to the Manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it’s an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”

Fulham Sporting Director Tony Khan added: “I'm thrilled to announce the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham Football Club! We're very excited to sign such a talented young player, and we look forward to Emile joining the squad in Portugal as we continue to prepare for the new season ahead! Come on Fulham!”