Arsenal are looking to sell a number of players before the summer transfer window closes with Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino now interested in signing Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal face £43m transfer disaster as Chelsea handed huge Emile Smith Rowe incentive (Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

 

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Arsenal could be set to miss out on a whopping £43million if they sanction a deal for Emile Smith Rowe to sign for Chelsea this summer. The Gunners are looking to trim down Mikel Arteta’s squad before deadline day and raise further funds for potential new signings.

Smith Rowe is yet to feature for Arsenal in the Premier League this season – sparking speculation that the 23-year-old could leave the Emirates Stadium ahead of deadline day. The Hale Ender struggled with injuries last season and has failed to reclaim a starting spot in Arteta’s side after returning to full fitness.

Smith Rowe broke onto the scene at Arsenal alongside fellow Hale End graduate Bukayo Saka back in 2020 and established himself as a regular starter for the Gunners – scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 37 appearances. In the following 2021/22 season, the talented youngster scored 11 goals and provided two assists in the same number of games for Arsenal – enjoying an injury-free campaign.

Groin surgery over the summer in 2022 limited Smith Rowe’s game time in the 2022/23 campaign as he made just 15 appearances in all competitions – playing a total of 241 minutes. The 23-year-old’s injury woes paired with the arrival of Fabio Vieira, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard have seen Smith Rowe drop down the pecking order under Arteta – with his value taking a huge hit too.

Emile Smith Rowe’s value has plummeted in the last two years after reaching a market price of £60million (€70m) back in 2021, according to CIES Football Observatory. Fast forward to today and the 23-year-old has endured a difficult time with injuries – seeing his value drop to just £17million (€20m).

This has given Chelsea a huge incentive to try and sign Smith Rowe for a cheap fee before the summer transfer window closes as he continues to be unused by Arteta. Mauricio Pochettino is looking to sign a versatile attacker capable of playing on the wing and as a No.10, football.london understands.

The Blues may be able to secure a bargain deal for the 23-year-old – however, Arsenal would be likely to demand a huge fee given his contract does not expire until 2026 and the fact they would be selling to a direct rival. Smith Rowe has all the talent needed to thrive in the Premier League – but there are serious question marks over his ability to stay fit in the last 12 months.

Soucre: football.london