Arsenal Transfers: Emile Smith Rowe could leave club before summer deadline

Weird things tend to happen in the final week of a transfer window as teams panic over their prospects for the upcoming campaign.

Many believed Arsenal had got their business done early this summer, but potential outgoings may render the last few days of the current window a hectic one in north London.

After loaning Kieran Tierney to Real Sociedad, the Gunners are set to finally part ways with Folarin Balogun after agreeing a €40m deal with AS Monaco. However, the futures of Nicolas Pepe, Rob Holding, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares have not been resolved, while Gabriel’s future might be one to watch out for given the ambiguity surrounding his situation.

Another name who could be departing the Emirates is one that the vast majority expected to play a bigger role for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2023/24. Following an injury-hit 2022/23 season, Emile Smith Rowe was primed to bounce back this term after it was revealed at the start of the window that the club didn’t intend to let him go despite interest from elsewhere.

Arsenal’s stance, however, might be changing as we approach deadline day.

Emile Smith Rowe could leave Arsenal before summer deadline

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Smith Rowe was barely used by Arteta last season after he returned from injury, and it’s been a similar story for the crafty midfielder at the start of 2023/24. The England U21 international is yet to play a single Premier League minute through three games.

ESR’s utilisation has sparked potential rumours regarding a late exit this summer, with various reports suggesting that the player’s market value could tempt the Gunners into a sale.

London rivals Chelsea are understood to be interested in acquiring the Arsenal man, who’d seemingly be a great fit if Mauricio Pochettino was to adopt a 4-2-3-1 at Stamford Bridge. However, the Daily Mail writes that Arsenal have knocked back the Blues’ initial approach as they’re not keen on selling to a direct rival.

Chelsea are said to have tried their luck with a swap deal that would’ve seen ESR and Mykhailo Mudryk move in opposite directions, but Arsenal aren’t said to be interested. The Gunners looked destined to sign Mudryk before he joined the Blues, where he’s struggled to find his feet.

While there’s a slim chance he switches north for west London, other unnamed Premier League clubs have also taken notice of Arsenal’s altered stance regarding Smith Rowe. So, his future is certainly one to watch out for in the final days of the window, with the summer deadline fast approaching on Friday night.