West Ham United: Fabrizio Romano shares latest update on Emile Smith Rowe Arsenal exit
Emile Smith Rowe could leave Arsenal in the summer if he doesn’t improve his game time in the final months of the season, with West Ham interested according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Hammers had a bid rejected for the attacking midfielder in January with the player opting to stay and fight for his place at the Emirates Stadium, but he has struggled for regular minutes.
And according to Fabrizio Romano in his Daily Briefing (25 March), the Hammers could potentially look again in the summer if he opts to leave the Gunners although right now there are no concrete developments either way.
“Emile Smith Rowe’s future continues to be the subject of some speculation after a lack of playing time for Arsenal this season, while we also know there was interest from West Ham United back in January,” he wrote.
“In terms of what will happen in the summer, I think a lot depends on these final two months, how much he will play and be involved…and then Arsenal will make final decision together with the player. This is not something clear yet, so let’s wait and see how the situation looks after the final stages of the season.
“As I said, Smith Rowe was on West Ham’s list in January but at that time he really wanted to stay at Arsenal, and also Mikel Arteta wanted to keep him. This was the clear decision of both parties, then let’s see if it changes for the summer, but there’s nothing concrete to report as of now.”
Lucas Paqueta replacement at West Ham United?
There is an expectation that the summer window at the London Stadium is going to be a busy one, with both incoming and outgoings expected.
One of the biggest exits that has been mooted is that of Lucas Paqueta, whose £85m release clause is due to become active this summer with Manchester City among the interested parties.
If they, or any other club, are to make a bid of that value then the Hammers will be powerless to reject it and stop him leaving which means plans must be in motion to ensure a replacement is lined up.
Smith Rowe is a player of a similar ilk and skill, with his technical abilities class as “exceptional” in one report and he is just waiting on an opportunity to play regularly to show it more.
West Ham can provide that and his best role is similar to that of Paqueta’s, so it could be the perfect answer to a difficult puzzle for the team this summer.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes is interested in signing this £17.1m striker once again.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.