Chelsea Considering Late Swoop for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe
Chelsea Football Club is reportedly considering making a late move for Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe before the transfer deadline day on Friday. The Blues have already spent close to £1 billion since Todd Boehly’s takeover last year, with £350 million spent this summer alone. Despite making 10 new signings, Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager to add another attacking option to his squad, especially with recent arrival Christopher Nkunku sidelined with a knee injury.
According to The Daily Mail, Chelsea is weighing up a potential move for Smith Rowe, who came through the Arsenal academy. Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also under consideration at Stamford Bridge. While the report suggests that Chelsea’s interest in these players is not advanced at this stage, they are being discussed by the Chelsea hierarchy as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Smith Rowe broke into the Arsenal first-team in 2020 and signed a new five-year deal in 2021, putting an end to speculation about his long-term future at the club. However, he struggled with a groin problem at the start of last season and underwent surgery, causing him to miss the first half of the 2022-23 campaign. Upon his return to the squad in January, he failed to start a single league game in the second half of the season. In Arsenal’s opening three games of the new season, Smith Rowe has remained on the bench, with Fabio Vieira impressing ahead of him in the weekend draw against Fulham.
Arsenal has been looking to trim their squad further ahead of the deadline day, with Kieran Tierney sealing a loan move to Real Sociedad and Folarin Balogun poised to leave on a permanent deal to Monaco for £40 million. When asked about Arsenal’s outgoing business, manager Mikel Arteta said that there are some movements happening and that the last week is expected to be busy.
Earlier in the window, West Ham was credited with interest in Smith Rowe, but reports indicated that Arsenal had no intention of selling the young talent. However, Chelsea’s potential interest could change the situation.
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In conclusion, Chelsea is considering a late move for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe as they look to add another attacking option to their squad. While the interest is not advanced at this stage, discussions are taking place within the Chelsea hierarchy. Smith Rowe, who broke into the Arsenal first-team in 2020, signed a new five-year deal in 2021. However, he has struggled with injuries and has found himself on the bench in Arsenal’s opening games of the season. Arsenal has been looking to trim their squad further ahead of the deadline day, and Chelsea’s interest could potentially change the situation.