Emile Smith Rowe quickly made a strong impact for Fulham by scoring just seven minutes into his first appearance.

Last week, the Cottagers acquired the midfielder in a club-record £34 million agreement, thereby concluding his 14-year tenure in north London.

Highly revered by Arsenal fans, the 24-year-old has already demonstrated that Arsenal may come to regret their decision to let him depart, as evidenced by his immediate impact after being substituted in for the second half.

Smith Rowe got his Fulham career off to a perfect startCredit: Rex

During a pre-season friendly in Portugal against Sevilla, Smith Rowe entered the game as a substitute when his team was trailing by two goals. He quickly reduced the deficit by scoring a diving header after receiving a cross from Antonee Robinson.

Although Fulham fans are pleased to see their recent acquisition scoring, Arsenal fans are already feeling the absence of the player who came through their youth academy at Hale End.

“I will lament his absence from Arsenal,” expressed one fan on social media, while another opined: “It was a mistake to part ways with this individual.”

Another advocate expressed on X: “I will deeply miss Smith Rowe.”

This fan expressed concern that players Alex Iwobi and Smith Rowe may potentially cause our team to lose the league by a single point.

“That is the entirety of it.” Another Arsenal supporter expressed their desire for his return, while another simply voiced their emotional response with the phrase “Tears in my eyes”.

Smith Rowe, who played in 115 matches for Arsenal, scoring 15 goals and providing 13 assists, expressed his joy upon finalising his transfer to west London.

Smith Rowe conveyed his enthusiasm to Fulham’s official website, stating: “I have arrived at last, and I am genuinely delighted for myself and my family. This is a significant and joyous occasion.”

“I am filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. My primary objective was to arrive at this location as expeditiously as possible in order to commence my activities with my fellow teammates.”

The midfielder netted a diving header just five minutes into his Fulham debutCredit: Rex

“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.”

Arteta meanwhile has been left gutted by his sale, as he remarked: “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.”