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The Gunners flogged their impressive academy product to London rivals Fulham for £34 million this summer.
The 24-year-old ended a 14-year stay at the Emirates Stadium this summer having worked his way up through the youth ranks in North London and into the first team. Smith-Rowe made the short move to the Cottagers, signing a five-year contract after completing a £34 million move.
The playmaker has proved to be somewhat of a revelation under Marco Silva on the banks of The Thames. Having managed just 508 top flight minutes in the previous two seasons at Arsenal, the player has already racked up 950 minutes this term and become a first team mainstay.
His three goals and two assists only scratch the surface of his influence for Fulham. Parlour told NetBet Sports Betting: "I like Emile Smith-Rowe a lot. I’ve met him many times over the years and he is a great talent. You look at how Arsenal performed the past few seasons and they got so close in the Premier League, were back in the Champions League last season and Emile was only a bit part player.
Emile Smith-Rowe has impressed this season for Fulham.Emile Smith-Rowe has impressed this season for Fulham.
Emile Smith-Rowe has impressed this season for Fulham. | AFP via Getty Images
"Last season Arsenal got so close, had a brilliant second half of the season, but just fell short. Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice were running the midfield, meaning Emile wasn’t getting a chance, so it’s great he has a move to Fulham, playing week in week out.
"With Odegaard out for a while, you see the drop off and Arsenal lacked creativity in a few games, so Emile could have stepped in, but now with Odegaard back fit, 10 goals in two games, it’s like normal service is resumed. I hope Emile does well at Fulham and if he really impresses, there is no reason he can’t get an England call up."
Smith-Rowe does have three England caps to his name but has not pulled on the Three Lions jersey since featuring in a friendly against the Ivory Coast in 2022. His debut came in a World Cup qualifying game in 2021 against Albania with his only start coming days later in a 10-0 win over San Marino, where he grabbed a goal and an assist.
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