Emile Smith Rowe believes his £34million transfer to Fulham is the "perfect step" for him to take at this point in his career.
Smith Rowe has struggled for game time at Arsenal in recent seasons after been sidelined with several injury problems, but he is now hoping to reinvigorate his career at Fulham after putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.
The 24-year-old midfielder has become Fulham's club-record signing and is the second player through the door at Craven Cottage this summer after academy product Ryan Sessegnon agreed to return to west London after leaving Tottenham. Smith Rowe will now join up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Portugal after agreeing to leave his boyhood club.
"I'm finally here, so I'm really happy for me and my family – it's a good moment," Smith Rowe told club media. "I'm really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my teammates.
"Listening to the project, speaking to the manager, and seeing what players we have here already, I think it's an exciting project for me, and definitely the perfect step for my career going forward."
Fulham's vice-chairman and director of football operations, Tony Khan, added: "We're very excited to sign such a talented young player, and we look forward to Emile joining the squad in Portugal as we continue to prepare for the new season ahead!"
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, admitted he was "sad" to see Smith Rowe leave the club but insisted he was "excited" for the Hale End graduate to get more first-team opportunities across the capital after a difficult spell.
"Emile's commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him," the Spaniard said. "He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us.
"He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud. I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.
"Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham."