Arsenal rebuff initial approach by Chelsea for forgotten England international

Time might be up for Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal /COURTESY PICTURE

FOOTBALL Arsenal rebuff initial approach by Chelsea for forgotten England international

Mark Kinyanjui 21:00 - 29.08.2023

Chelsea are intrested in the three-cap England international to bolster their attacking ranks.

Arsenal have rebuffed an initial approach from Chelsea for the acquisition of England international Emile Smith Rowe.

According to Daily Mail, Mauricio Pochettino wants to add an attacker to his ranks before Friday’s transfer deadline and Smith Rowe is among the names the Blues have enquired about.

However, Chelsea’s overtures have instantly been rejected by Arsenal who have told their London rivals they do not want to sell their England international to a team who are direct competitors.

Sources claim that an offer way above market value may tempt the Gunners into selling before Friday’s deadline.

But as things stand, there appears to be minimal chance of that deal taking place. Sources have indicated that Chelsea have shown a willingness to include players as a sweetener in any deal with Arsenal. 

Smith Rowe’s long term future at the Emirates is unclear following a difficult 12 months that has been beset by injury and lack of first team football.

The 23-year-old has not yet played a single minute in the Premier League for the Gunners this campaign. 

He was of interest to West Ham earlier this summer and the attacker could yet generate further interest heading into the final days of the transfer window.

The Blues have already spent around £350 million this summer and around £900m in total under big-spending chairman Todd Boehly since his arrival in May 2022.

Despite all these additions, the west London side looks light going forwards.

And Pochettino clearly wants to strengthen in attack before Friday's transfer deadline.

The club are also interested in Barcelona pair Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

Ferran Torres has often been used as a backup to star striker Robert Lewandowski at the Nou Camp.