Declan Rice has sent a farewell message to Emile Smith Rowe after the midfielder sealed a record £34million transfer to Fulham.

The Arsenal academy graduate, 24, has been the subject of transfer interest from a number of 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 club-record transfer fee for the midfield maestro, Smith Rowe completed his move on Friday afternoon, bringing an end to his long association with the Gunners.

Rice was one of the first Arsenal players to respond to the news and he shared a post on his Instagram story with the caption: “Going to miss you brother”.

Despite impressing earlier in Mikel Arteta’s premiership, Smith Rowe was one of a number of players Arsenal were expected to listen to offers for this summer.

The deal, which includes £7m in potential add-ons, will beef up the Gunners’ transfer budget as Arteta seeks to build a squad capable of winning the Premier League title after coming up short for a second successive year last term.

Smith Rowe becomes Fulham’s club-record signing after agreeing to move across the capital. He spent 14 years at Arsenal, making 115 appearances in total. And while leaving his boyhood club was not an easy decision to make, Smith Rowe feels the move to Craven Cottage is

Fulham midfielder Emile Smith Rowe during a media interview
Smith Rowe has completed a £34million move to Fulham ( 
Image:
Fulham FC)
Arteta reacted to Smith Rowe’s exit by paying tribute to the midfielder’s professionalism, which he branded “first class”. The Arsenal boss said on Friday: “Emile’s commitment, attitude and energy every day was first class, always stepping up when the team needed him. He came into the first team and was instrumental during a difficult moment for us.

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“He created an important impression, with his strong performances making our supporters proud. I’m sad that Emile is leaving us, but excited for him to take this new opportunity at this stage of his career, when he needs to be starting matches and playing regularly.

“Emile is loved by everyone at the club and leaves us with our gratitude, absolute respect and best wishes. We all wish Emile and his family well at Fulham.”