West Ham United hit back at Emile Smith Rowe transfer story
West Ham have hit out after a report emerged claiming a clause was inserted into Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal which would allow them first hit on Emile Smith Rowe, claiming the story is “simply not true”.
Claret & Hugh shared on 19 October that their sources at the club are becoming irritated at news stories circling which have no truth to them.
Smith Rowe has been the subject of plenty of speculation in recent weeks, with West Ham and Newcastle both heavily linked with the Arsenal ace, but it appears no deal would be on the table as things stand.
Claret & Hugh shared on Thursday night that their insider told them: “The story simply is not true – there is no such clause. It is becoming irritating that so many stories are being made up. It saddens me.”
No clause in the deal
The report suggested West Ham would have the first option if Smith Rowe was to be sold by Arsenal in the transfer window as David Moyes is a fan of the midfield ace who has struggled for regular game time at The Emirates over the last couple of years.
For the club to speak out and oppose rumours circling is something that is not often seen, with Claret & Hugh often quoting their reliable source when it comes to squashing reports.
David Ornstein wrote in a Q&A session for The Athletic [12 October] that Smith Rowe’s transfer situation would be one to watch, with Premier League clubs admiring the player and could move should he become available.
Perhaps the report was born from reported interest and the fact he has not played recently, with the Delcan Rice deal leaving West Ham and Arsenal on good terms in terms of their working relationship, but those rumours have now been sensationally quashed.
In other West Ham news, a talkSPORT pundit has assessed the Hammers’ season so far.