'Finally here' – Emile Smith Rowe explains why he left Arsenal as ex-Gunners star completes £35m Fulham transfer

Emile Smith Rowe has revealed his delight at "finally" signing for Fulham after his Arsenal exit.

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• Smith Rowe completes Fulham move
• Fulham could pay up to £34m for winger
• Player explains rationale for transfer

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fulham have completed the signing of Smith Rowe for a reported fee of up to £34 million ($44m), with the Englishman signing a five-year contract at Craven Cottage. The 24-year-old made a total of 115 appearances for the Gunners but has explained his excitement at moving across London.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Smith Rowe fell down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta last season and was limited to just three Premier League starts. He is a three-time England international, however, and will hope to convince the Three Lions' new manager to pick him based on his Fulham displays.

• WHAT SMITH ROWE SAID

  Smith Rowe told Fulham's website: "I’m finally here, so I’m really happy for me and my family – it’s a good moment. I’m really excited, I just wanted to get here as quickly as possible so I could get going with my team-mates. 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."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Fulham wrap up their pre-season preparations with games against Benfica, Sevilla, and Hoffenheim. They open the Premier League season on August 16 against Manchester United.