Mikel Arteta drops huge Emile Smith Rowe transfer exit hint – ‘Things are happening’

Mikel Arteta used the low-stakes and cushy regulations of Wednesday’s friendly against Bournemouth in Los Angeles to get an in-depth look at his side, rotating all 10 outfield starters.

But one man who remained glued to the padded seats at Dignity Health Sports Park was Emile Smith Rowe, a decision Arteta all but admitted was caused by the young midfielder’s impending transfer exit. “There are things happening in the background so we felt it was best not to use him,” Arteta told reporters after Wednesday’s game.

It’s believed Fulham are close to agreeing a £35million deal with their Premier League rivals for Smith Rowe. Personal terms are yet to be agreed, with the player also needing to complete a medical.

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Smith Rowe emerged as among the most highly touted academy prospects in recent Arsenal history, earning the coveted No. 10 shirt at just 21 years of age. However, a groin injury in 2022 saw the attacking midfielder miss extended time and make just four Premier League starts for the Gunners the past three seasons.

Arsenal’s first stop on their US Tour pitted them against fellow English opposition, allowing Bournemouth to find a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw from Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.

Arteta opted for a heavily rotated lineup at Dignity Health Sports Park, with Thomas Partey and Ben White the only holdovers from Arsenal’s final Premier League XI last season. Young midfielder Fabio Vieira capitalised on the absence of mainstays, patiently waiting for Reiss Nelson’s cross to land atop the six-yard box and coolly guiding his volley into the bottom left corner.

Vieira has made just 33 appearances for Arsenal since arriving from Porto in June 2022 but many prognosticators expected him to take a more involved role at the Emirates this season. Arteta also took a particular interest in the Portuguese midfielder on Wednesday night, spending extra time with Vieira during the mandated first-half water break.

While Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable edge in possession in the California heat, Bournemouth grew into the game after Vieira’s moment of brilliance, outshooting the Gunners 11-9 – each team managed four shots on target. Bournemouth’s deserved leveller came in the 73rd minute after Antonie Semenyo dispossessed Omar Rekik in the attacking third and began an incisive run at goal, ultimately firing a left-footed effort that took a devastating, looping deflection over goalkeeper Karl Hein and into the net.

“I’m really happy with the game,” Arteta said. “Even in the first half I think we were the team who had more chances to win the game. I felt like we played in a good rhythm, with a different level. I think it was a good game to prepare. Considering it’s pre-season the rhythm was quite nice.”