Mikel Arteta has hinted that an Emile Smith Rowe departure is imminent amid reports linking him to Fulham.
It was reported earlier today that Fulham are close to reaching an agreement for Smith Rowe for a fee around £30million.
Personal terms are yet to be agreed, with the player also needing to complete a medical.
The 23-year-old didn’t feature in Arsenal’s pre-season with Bournemouth in Los Angeles despite every outfield player having been substituted in the match.
On Smith Rowe’s future, Arteta said: “Yeah there are things happening in the background at the moment. We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today.”
Smith Rowe emerged as among the most highly touted academy prospects in recent Arsenal history, earning the coveted No.10 shirt at just 21 years of age.
However, a groin injury in 2022 saw the attacking midfielder miss extended time and make just four Premier League starts for the Gunners the past three seasons.
