Emile Smith Rowe, a talented Arsenal midfielder, was the subject of an approach from Chelsea that the Gunners refused.
Chelsea has contacted Arsenal to find out how much a trade including Smith Rowe, who is at ease playing both wide and in midfield, would cost, but their interest was rejected. Chelsea is still looking for a player who can contribute in a variety of offensive positions after failing to close a deal for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
Arsenal are refusing to sell Smith Rowe at this moment, especially not to a direct opponent like Chelsea. A few teams have expressed interest in the 23-year-old due to Smith Rowe’s limited playing time this season; he played three minutes at the end of the Community Shield triumph and has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s three Premier League games.
However, as of right now, Arsenal is not considering Smith Rowe’s exit despite conversations with Aston Villa and Newcastle United over prospective loan moves.
Smith Rowe was a substitute player in Arsenal’s run for the Premier League championship after a groin injury ruined the first part of last season. With only one game lasting more than 20 minutes, he finished the season with 12 league outings under his belt but did not start any games.