The England international struggled with various fitness issues last season, failing to start a single Premier League match. The talented youngster then enjoyed a hugely impressive summer with England Under-21s, helping the Young Lions clinch the European Championship.
But that doesn't appear to have helped his chances with club opportunities, failing to feature at all in each of the Gunners' opening three Premier League fixtures. Chelsea are now said to be weighing up a move to sign Smith Rowe before the transfer window closes at the end of the month so football.london has rounded up the latest updates on the 23-year-old's potential switch from the Emirates Stadium to Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal decision
According to the Times, Arsenal are willing to sell Smith Rowe following an approach from Chelsea.
The young playmaker is said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time so far this season. It is claimed that the Gunners haven't put an evaluation on the 23-year-old but he is among the players that could be sold before the transfer window slams shut later this week.
Chelsea interest
Mauricio Pochettino is interested in signing a new attacking midfielder with Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe recently emerging as a shock option.
According to the Mail, the Blues are weighing up a shock move for Smith Rowe. Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also on the clubs radar as alternatives.
Arsenal position plan
Mikel Arteta clearly values the traits of Emile Smith Rowe with his verdict on the England international in 2021 showcasing his importance to the club"I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions,” the Spaniard said in February 2021 in response to the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well, I think.”
Arteta stance
Mikel Arteta has already delivered his thoughts on Emile Smith Rowe with new links to Chelsea unlikely to change his views. Back in March, the Arsenal boss said: "He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities.
"And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he's going to contribute to this team to be better and win. And he's going to have to show that to get in the team.
"I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he's in a position where we can throw him in the team at any moment. And then it's about how he's coping with the team in general and whether we have to take him off or to use him in the last few minutes of the game."
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