Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has hailed Emile Smith Rowe after the former Hale End graduate exited the club.

Fulham announced their club record signing when signing the attacker for an initial £27m.

Arteta lavished praise on the 24-year-old, saying: “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. 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.”

Smith Rowe joined the Arsenal Academy aged ten and progressed through each age group before graduating into the first-team squad, making his senior debut at just 18.

He went on to make 115 senior appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and assisting 13 times.

Smith Rowe, who joined Arsenal as a 10-year-old, made his senior debut for the Gunners at the age of 18 and He has three England caps, although his last came in March 2022.

"I'm finally here, so I'm really happy for me and my family - it's a good moment," said Smith Rowe.

"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 [Marco Silva], 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."

It is understood the deal could rise to £34m with add-ons for the player who made 80 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, scoring 12 times.