Emile Smith-Rowe is edging ever closer to a move to Fulham, according to David Ornstein, who Football Park ranks as a tier one source.

The 23-year-old has found himself out of favour at Arsenal over the past two seasons and now Fulham are close to reaching an agreement with the Gunners for his signature.

Talks continue over a deal which is set to be worth up to £35 million, which would be both Fulham’s record incoming and Arsenal’s joint-biggest sale.

If a deal can be agreed between the clubs, it is expected that Smith-Rowe will complete a medical before finalising terms.

🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Fulham close to reaching agreement with Arsenal to sign Emile Smith Rowe. Talks over move worth up to £35m; would be record recruit for #FFC + match biggest #AFC sale. If deal struck 23yo expected to do medical & finalise terms @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/NGElac5XXD

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2024

Emile Smith-Rowe’s Arsenal exit – The story so far…

Coming into the summer transfer window, it was obvious that the hale end graduate was going to be one of the more likely outgoings at Arsenal. Despite rejuvenating a dull Gunners side during the Coronavirus years, Smith-Rowe lost his place in the starting eleven ahead of the 2022/23 season and has failed to shoehorn himself back in since. As such, the attacking-midfielder has gathered a lot of interest from fellow Premier League clubs.

Nine days ago, Football Park reported the news that two bids had been rejected by Arsenal for Smith-Rowe. These bids, that were both rumoured to be around the £25 million mark, came from Crystal Palace and Fulham. With the departures of Michael Olise and Willian respectively, it is obvious as to how the 23-year-old could slot into both sides.

However, it now looks as though it will be the Cottagers who close the deal. Fabrizio Romano, who Football Park ranks as a tier one source, has previously reported that Fulham would be willing to invest a significant part of their budget into the player, especially following the sale of Joao Palhinha. It now looks as though these words have come to fruition, with Arsenal set to receive their desired fee and Fulham set to receive their man.

⚪️⚫️ Fulham had initial bid rejected for Emile Smith Rowe, now considering to return with new proposal to Arsenal.

He's considered one of the main targets with Fulham prepared to invest part of the budget they got from the Palhinha deal... but it depends on Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/fMNWNBAAAK

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 16, 2024

The main motivator for Smith-Rowe to move is the allure of first-team football, which he has evaded for some time at Arsenal, reports Dharmesh Sheth, who Football Park ranks as a tier two source.

Fulham advancing on Emile Smith Rowe. Talks progressing on club record deal worth £35m as per @David_Ornstein. Smith Rowe in US with Arsenal squad awaiting agreement & permission to have medical & discuss terms. Keen on move - motivated by regular first team football. #AFC #FFC https://t.co/HYIJ9Llmk2

— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) July 24, 2024