Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe will return to the Emirates Stadium for the first time this evening when his new club Fulham visit.
There had been high hopes for Smith Rowe when he broke into the first team. The 2021/22 season was a standout one for the attacking midfielder as he bagged ten goals in 33 Premier League appearances.
However, groin surgery knocked his momentum entirely and from there knocks and other injuries prevented him from a good run in the squad. In his final two seasons combined, Smith Rowe made less appearances than that 2021/22 campaign and eventually it was only a matter of time before the Gunners and the midfielder parted ways.
Considering the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) bonuses for selling a homegrown player, Mikel Arteta's men were more than happy to agree a £34m deal for the 24-year-old. In his new surroundings, Smith Rowe has settled well and only missed three matches due to injury.
The midfielder has five goals to his name this campaign and looks to be enjoying life at Craven Cottage. A return to the Emirates Stadium will be an emotional one for Smith Rowe but the Fulham star will be keen to show what he can do in front of his old fans.
Should he perform well, there will undoubtedly be questions as to whether or not Arsenal hold a buy back clause which effectively gives them an advantage over other teams to sign Smith Rowe. However, football.london understands such an agreement was not included by the Gunners.
Instead, the club did include a ten per cent sell-on clause which will see them gain a chunk of money should Fulham choose to sell Smith Rowe in the future. Arsenal vs Fulham is not on television tonight but fans can follow all the action with us, here.