- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC sources have confirmed that Fulham are close to concluding a deal for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
Fulham are now growing in confidence that they have won the race to sign the 23-year-old.
HITC exclusively revealed earlier this month that Arsenal set a £35million asking price for Smith Rowe.
The offer put forward by Fulham matches Arsenal‘s valuation and the two clubs are now close to finalising a deal.
With both clubs now working towards a final agreement, Emile Smith Rowe is expected to undergo a medical with Fulham this weekend before finalising the deal.
Fulham had not been the only Premier League club looking to land Smith Rowe with Crystal Palace also pushing for a deal.
However, Palace look to have lost out to the Cottagers for the second time this week after Ryan Sessegnon left Palace’s training camp to sign for Fulham.
Mikel Arteta’s stance on Emile Smith Rowe exit
Smith Rowe was once a key player under Mikel Arteta, but he has fallen down the pecking order at The Emirates and struggled for first-team action last season.
He was hailed as a “special” player by Jamie Carragher back in 2021 after bursting onto the scene with Arsenal.
HITC understands that Arteta reluctantly accepted that Smith Rowe should be moved on this summer so he can pursue regular football elsewhere.
Arteta provided an update on Smith Rowe’s future after he was left out of their pre-season clash against Bournemouth.
He admitted “there are things happening in the background” and Smith Rowe’s exit is now close to being completed.
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