Merino unlocked! Arsenal get Romano's 'here we go' on €40m transfer

Tom Weber

• Updated: 29 Jul 2024 17:36 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Fulham for the transfer of Emile Smith Rowe, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The former wonderkid is on his way out. Smith Rowe is now set to leave his boyhood club, having failed to win back his place in Mikel Arteta's side over the past two injury-hit seasons.

Having barely played competitive football since the 2021/22 season, the 24-year-old is keen for senior minutes and Arsenal, though they would prefer to keep him as a depth option, will not stand in the Croydon-born attacker's way.

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Over the past two weeks, Fulham and Crystal Palace have been credited with an interest in Smith Rowe, while the former had an initial bid rebuffed by the Gunners, who are looking to raise funds for 'upgrades' this summer.

However, Fulham's most recent attempt at signing Smith Rowe is now set to end in success.

Fulham to sign Smith Rowe

According to Sky Sports and since confirmed by Fabrizio Romano with his famous 'here we go,' Fulham have struck a deal in principle with the north London giants to snap up the former England youth international.

Arsenal have accepted an offer worth €40 million, with €32m to be paid upfront and the rest as potential add-ons. Personal terms with the versatile midfielder have already been agreed.

Smith Rowe is set to leave Arsenal's US tour and head back to Europe to complete his medical and put pen to paper on his new contract before then joining up with the Fulham squad in Portugal.

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This is not only a major outgoing for Arsenal but a deal they have been hastily working towards due to its implications for their pursuit of Mikel Merino.

FootballTransfers has been at the forefront in reporting on the Gunners' chase of the Real Sociedad man, first breaking the news that they had moved into pole position for his signature before announcing an agreement on personal terms.

Earlier on Monday, we revealed that Arsenal were rushing to complete the Smith Rowe deal with Fulham so as to allow them to proceed with their Merino signing. With the first domino now having fallen, Arsenal are set to table an official offer for the Spain international.