Exclusive: Fabrizio Romano breaks silence on Arsenal star’s transfer links with Chelsea

Fabrizio Romano has finally commented on the ongoing transfer rumours involving Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe and potential interest from Chelsea.

After struggling to see much playing time for the Gunners recently, Smith Rowe’s future has looked in some doubt, but it seems Romano is adamant that the 23-year-old remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans.

Writing in his exclusive CaughtOffside column, Romano said he wasn’t aware of anything concrete on Chelsea and Smith Rowe, with the Blues focusing instead on signing Cole Palmer from Manchester City.

Palmer’s move to Chelsea is now close, while Smith Rowe seemingly never had much chance of leaving Arsenal.

emile smith rowe arsenal vs bournemouth

Emile Smith Rowe in action for Arsenal

Discussing these deals, Romano said: “We start with a ‘here we go’ for Cole Palmer to join Chelsea from Manchester City! The deal is done for £40m plus £5m in add ons. The player will have his medical tests today, so it’s all agreed and the deal is completed – Palmer will go to Chelsea.

“Chelsea have their signing that they wanted in the offensive positions, signing another top young talent as they’ve done so many times now under Todd Boehly’s ownership.

“There have been some other interesting Chelsea transfer rumours doing the rounds, but honestly I’m not aware of concrete negotiations for Emile Smith Rowe. Chelsea have been linked with 20 players or more this summer, but behind the scenes they wanted Cole Palmer.