Arsenal respond to West Ham United approach to seal January loan for Emile Smith-Rowe – Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have rejected West Ham United’s initial approach to sign Emile Smith-Rowe on loan for the remainder of the season, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The transfer specialist reported on his X account on Saturday (20 January) that the Gunners had turned down the Hammers’ interest in the attacking midfielder as they believe he still has a role to play at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Smith-Rowe is viewed as a key member of Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad and Arsenal have no intention of letting him leave in January, and the 23-year-old is happy to remain in North London despite West Ham’s approach.
Bit of a blow
This is a bit of a shame from a West Ham point of view as Smith-Rowe would have been an incredibly exciting signing for the Hammers for the second half of the season, especially given the current injury crisis.
David Moyes is short of attacking options currently at the London Stadium and Smith-Rowe would have offered an excellent solution as his versatility would have allowed him to play anywhere across the Irons’ attacking quartet they often field.
With Lucas Paqeuta facing a spell on the sidelines, the 23-year-old could have slotted straight into the Brazilian’s place and helped the Hammers creatively as they have looked rather short of a magical spark in their recent outings.
Hopefully, Moyes and those above him at the London Stadium have plenty of other targets on their shipping list that they can look to before the window slams shut come the end of January.
There is still plenty of time for the Hammers to get a deal over the line to lift the slightly dreary mood surrounding the London Stadium currently.
In other West Ham news, a twist has emerged surrounding Moyes’ contract extension at the London Stadium
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