Fulham ‘make Emile Smith Rowe a priority transfer target this summer’ – as Arsenal ‘prepare to offload’ several fringe players to boost their spending power

Fulham are reportedly keen to sign Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe this summer.

Gunners academy product Smith Rowe, 23, has endured a difficult few seasons after a breakthrough campaign in 2021-22 when he scored 10 Premier League goals. 

The attacking midfielder has made just three Premier League starts since then as he has battled for fitness and form.

And, according to The Telegraph, Fulham have made Smith Rowe one of their major targets this summer, with Marco Silva’s side ready to press ahead with a bid.

The report claims the Cottagers are keen to boost their attacking options with Bobby De Cordova-Reid out of contract, while Willian has offers from Saudi Arabia. 

Smith Rowe has struggled for gametime in recent years and could be offloaded by the Gunners

Marco Silva’s side are keen to boost their attacking options after they finished in 13th place

As a result, Smith Rowe is high on their list of potential additions as they look to build on their 10th and 13th place finishes since returning to the Premier League in 2022.

Mail Sport similarly understands that several clubs have approached Arsenal over Smith Rowe.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph report goes onto claim the Gunners are prepared to listen to offers for the midfielder this summer, along with other fringe players such as Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah.

Any sale of Smith Rowe would be hugely beneficial from an FFP perspective for Mikel Arteta’s side due to his status as an academy graduate, while it would also boost their spending power.

The midfielder – who has won three caps for England – previously spent time at RB Leipzig and Huddersfield on loan, while he has two years remaining on his contract.

He has been linked with clubs such as Aston Villa in the past, but as per the Telegraph, Fulham are favourites for his signature this time around. 

Smith Rowe enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2021-22 but has just three league starts since

Mikel Arteta remains a big fan of the 23-year-old midfielder despite his lack of gametime

Although he has fallen out of favour at the Emirates in recent times, he is still admired by Arteta, who praised him after one of his rare starts against Luton in April. 

‘I love him as a player, he is a joy to watch,’ the Spaniard said after the 2-0 victory over the Hatters. ‘How he moves, changes direction and how physical he was without the ball. 

‘He went into duels and won a lot of them and was thinking with that killer instinct to play forward and make things happen. 

‘When Emile is in that moment, it’s very difficult to stop him.’