Fulham complete club-record deal for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe

Fulham have completed the signing of Croydon’s Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.

Crystal Palace also held an interest in the 24-year-old midfielder.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed for Smith Rowe, who has been capped at senior level by England, but has been confirmed as club-record fee for the west Londoners.

The player was keen to secure regular first-team football after dropping down the pecking order at the Gunners.

Smith Rowe told the Whites’ official website: “I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my team-mates.

“Listening to the project, speaking to the manager and seeing what players we have here already, I think it is an exciting project for me.

“It is definitely the perfect step for my career going forward.”

PICTURE: PA