Romano confirms Arsenal star is wanted by Premier League rivals

Tom Weber

Updated: 3 Jun 2024 17:20 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe is a potential target for Fulham.

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The Arsenal academy product has not managed to break into Mikel Arteta's side since his prolonged injury struggles last season. Just a few years ago, it looked as though the 23-year-old would be set for Gunners stardom, but his fitness issues have evidently ruined that dream.

The attacking midfielder only played 474 minutes of football in the bygone season and a measly 241 in 2022/23. At this point, it is clear that Smith Rowe has lost the trust of Arteta.

Already in January, the homegrown was linked with an exit, but he was unwilling to depart the north London giants mid-season, while Arsenal themselves were not open to selling a potentially important squad player during a title challenge.

This summer, Smith Rowe could finally be on the move, though Fabrizio Romano has also revealed that Arteta would still prefer to keep his squad together as much as possible.

Romano on Smith Rowe

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano confirmed The Telegraph's reporting that Fulham have begun discussing the Croydon-born attacker as a possible summer target.

"We continue to hear reports of Arsenal outgoings, and one name now attracting particular interest is Emile Smith Rowe. I can confirm, as The Telegraph reported, that he is one of the names that Fulham mentioned internally during a meeting to plan for the summer window."

“Still, it will be up to Arsenal also, as even in January they insisted to keep him. I think he deserves to play, he needs to play, but I understand Mikel Arteta when he wants to keep as many players as possible. Arsenal, like all clubs who are ambitious in the big competitions, will need good squad depth again next season, so let’s see what happens.”

Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal, Fulham, Emile Smith Rowe