Arsenal may deny Emile Smith Rowe his priority transfer away from Emirates Stadium after a £15m hurdle emerged in talks to sell the Hale Ender to a Premier League team.

The 23-year-old is facing an uncertain time in north London after yet another difficult season under Mikel Arteta. Despite Smith Rowe being fit for 42 of their matches in all competitions, the midfielder only featured for Arsenal 19 times. He also played a total of just 475 minutes.

Smith Rowe struggled to force his way back into Arteta’s XI as Arsenal fought for the Premier League title and advanced in the Champions League. He played 346 minutes in the league with three starts from 13 outings. He also only played 117 minutes over their final 12 games.

Fulham open talks with Arsenal over Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer

Injuries have played a key role in limiting Smith Rowe’s chances at Arsenal over the past two seasons, as well. But with Arteta seldom showing faith in the playmaker towards the end of 23/24, his future could be away from the Gunners with a Premier League rival opening talks.

That is according to Dean Jones, who claims that Fulham have now made initial contact with Arsenal to discuss Smith Rowe’s transfer. The Gunners are even not opposed to doing a deal for the academy product. But Emirates Stadium chiefs want £40m for Smith Rowe’s transfer.

Fulham only value Smith Rowe at £25m and while a deal can be struck at £35m, Arsenal are unlikely to permit a transfer any time soon. His sale is not a pressing matter for the Gunners right now, either, with the Hale End hero under contract in north London up until June 2026.

Emile Smith Rowe’s priority is a transfer to a Premier League club

The £15m difference between Arsenal and Fulham’s valuations is likely to delay any transfer for Smith Rowe. But the Cottagers opening talks for Smith Rowe, who Luton Town boss Rob Edwards considers ‘exceptional’, may help them by showing he does have a priority option.

Smith Rowe is likely to make a final decision on his Arsenal future soon, according to Charles Watts. Discussions remain ongoing to see if the midfielder has a role at Emirates Stadium for future terms. But, if he leaves, Smith Rowe’s priority would be to join a Premier League club.

As much as Smith Rowe loves Arsenal, the three-cap England playmaker accepts his career is stalling in N5. Now, he realises that a move may be needed to revive a career that injuries and limited opportunities under Arteta are stuttering following back-to-back tough seasons.

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