Emile Smith Rowe transfer latest: Arsenal reject Chelsea offer, London club eye ‘hijack’, asking price

The summer transfer deadline is now just days away, and Arsenal could yet offload a number of players.

The Gunners have been busy this summer, securing a number of big-money arrivals, including Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, David Raya and Jurrien Timber. But they must also balance the books, and that means offloading players who are not going to form part of Mikel Arteta’s plans this season and beyond.

One of those players could be Emile Smith Rowe, who is being linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium late in the window. Here we round up all the latest on the situation.

Initial reports

The Times have reported that Arsenal will listen to offers for Smith Rowe after a disappointing year for the England international.

Smith Rowe may well find starts hard to come by this season amid the emergence of the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, as well as Martin Odegaard’s consistent performances. The report did not state how much Arsenal would expect to bring in for Smith Rowe, but it would be North of his £30million valuation.

Arsenal could use Smith Rowe to bring in cash after huge summer spending, while Arteta will also be keen to avoid having unhappy players around his squad this season.

Chelsea interest

Transfer insider Dean Jones believes Arsenal are not going to entertaining a possible move to Chelsea.

“They’re trying to make it happen, I’m told that Chelsea have lodged this enquiry to see if they can get this done. Arsenal are not giving an answer to this at the moment, but I am fully expectant that they will say no,” Jones said on the Ranks FC Podcast.

Chelsea have already sold Mason Mount during this window, and they were only said to be in for a striker ahead of the deadline, but they may see Smith Rowe as a unique opportunity. The Daily Mail say Arsenal do not want to sell Smith Rowe to a London rival, and specifically not direct rivals.

West Ham muscle in

West Ham are said to be interested in a move for Smith Rowe.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal will ask for between £35million and £40million for the attacking midfielder, and the Hammers, armed with the Declan Rice money they got from the Gunners, could make a move as they look to build on a strong start. David Moyes is also preparing for a Europa League campaign that will require strength in depth.

Arsenal may be reluctant to sell to a London rival, but West Ham could be realistic candidates given they are not likely a potential title or top four rival of Arsenal’s.