Declan Rice sent a farewell message to Emile Smith Rowe after the midfielder sealed a £34m move to Fulham.
The 24-year-old Arsenal academy graduate has been the subject of interest from several Premier League clubs over the past 12 months after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates.
And following reports that Fulham had agreed to pay a record amount for the midfield master, Smith Rowe completed his move on Friday afternoon, ending his long time with the Gunners.
Rice was one of the first Arsenal players to react to the news and shared a post on his Instagram account with the caption: “I will miss you brother. “
Despite having previously inspired during Mikel Arteta’s tenure, Smith Rowe was one of many players Arsenal were expected to pay attention to in bids this summer.
The deal, which includes £7m in additions, will bolster the Gunners’ move-in budget as Arteta looks to build a team capable of winning the Premier League name after failing to win the Premier League for the second year in a row last year.
Smith Rowe has become Fulham’s club record signing after agreeing to a move to the capital. He spent 14 years at Arsenal, playing 115 games in total. And while leaving his boyhood club was not an easy decision, Smith Rowe believes a move to Craven Cottage is “the best step” he can take at this point in his career.
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Arteta reacted to Smith Rowe’s departure by paying tribute to the midfielder’s professionalism, which he described as “first class”. The Arsenal manager said on Friday: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and power on a day-to-day basis were first class, up to the task when the team needed him. He arrived in the first team and was fundamental in a difficult moment for us.
“He created a great impression, with his strong performances that made our fans proud. I am not happy that Emile is leaving us, but I am very happy that he is taking advantage of this new opportunity at this level of his career, while looking forward to starting matches and playing regularly.
“Everyone at the club appreciates Emile and leaves us our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family the best of luck at Fulham. “
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