Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and other Arsenal stars all react to what Emile Smith Rowe has just done

Emile Smith Rowe was able to open his account for Fulham this weekend. 

Earlier this summer, Emile Smith Rowe said goodbye to Arsenal, having been on the books at the Emirates Stadium since the age of ten, as he secured a switch to Fulham.

The Hale End academy graduate needed a fresh start, having played a bit-part role under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons.

However, the 24-year-old remains an incredibly popular figure in North London, and many Arsenal fans were sad to see him go.

He had familiar faces to welcome him to Craven Cottage, though. Former Arsenal duo Alex Iwobi and Bernd Leno were both around to greet Smith Rowe as he underwent his medical with the West London outfit.

The 3-cap England international looks to have settled into his new surroundings quickly, and got off the mark with a goal in Fulham’s 2-1 win over Leicester City on Saturday.

Arsenal stars send messages to Emile Smith Rowe after Fulham goal

Smith Rowe was emotional after leaving Arsenal, but the move was a necessary step for him to take in order to get his career back on track.

The midfielder needs to be playing regular football, and has a real chance of establishing himself as a star at Craven Cottage. He was certainly able to show his quality against the Foxes, as he slammed the ball home after making an intelligent run.

This strike marked Smith Rowe’s first in the Premier League since the 2021/22 season. After the match, he was quick to take to Instagram to make a statement to fans.

He said: “First goal at The Cottage. So happy to share it with you all. We build from here.”

A long list of Arsenal stars responded to this statement. Williams Saliba said “Smizrooo” with a red heart emoji. Declan Rice added, “Smithhhh.”

Aaron Ramsdale replied: “Truth.”

Gabriel Martinelli stated: “What a player,” whilst Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both sent emojis in a show of support for their former teammate.

Arsenal set for more sales

Others could well follow Smith Rowe out of the club between now and the end of the transfer window.

Fabio Vieira recently returned to Porto on loan, having failed to impress on any kind of consistent basis over the course of his Arsenal career, now Eddie Nketiah is close to leaving, too, with Nottingham Forest working on a deal for the striker.

Jakub Kiwior may depart Arsenal, as the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori this summer has pushed him down the pecking order, and there are also doubts over Reiss Nelson’s future. Four Arsenal players could leave the club before Transfer Deadline Day.