Fulham 'are close to agreeing a £35m deal for forgotten Arsenal star Smith-Rowe'

Fulham are edging towards completing a £35m deal for Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe as the Gunners prepare to let one of their academy products leave, according to reports.

The 23-year-old scored in Arsenal's pre-season victory over Leyton Orient and has travelled as part of a 28-man squad to the United States but now looks set to switch allegiances.

Fulham previously had a £30m bid rejected for Smith Rowe as Arsenal sought to recoup a higher fee on their investment but are now close to agreeing a deal, as reported by The Athletic.

Crystal Palace also showed interest in the forward as the midfielder considered his playing options away from the Emirates, but appear to have been beaten to his signature by Marco Silva's side.

Despite the two clubs being close to an agreement, Smith Rowe is yet to sign off on personal terms and must undergo a medical that could be completed in either America or back in London.

Fulham are also on a pre-season tour of America that should make it easier for the final details between the involved representatives to be worked out.

His expected arrival at Craven Cottage will mark a club-record signing, beating the £25m that Fulham spent on Jean Michael Seri six years ago.

The £35m fee will also match Arsenal's record sale and represents the club's willingness to sell players on the periphery of Mikel Arteta's squad, with Eddie Nketiah also possessing suitors from around Europe.

Smith Rowe is widely regarded by Arsenal supporters as one of their academy's best attacking graduates, but has grown frustrated at a lack of regular playing opportunities.

He currently has two years remaining on his existing deal at the Emirates and struggled with injuries last season while also being pushed out of a starting role due to the impressive performances of Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

However, the qualities displayed across 115 senior appearances for the Gunners have convinced Fulham to cash-in on his potential that previously saw him become a breakthrough star in 2018.

Smith Rowe was capped three times by England in 2021 and 2022, scoring one goal, but started just three Premier League matches last season as Arsenal finished Premier League runners-up for the second consecutive campaign behind Man City.