West Ham United transfer news: Emile Smith Rowe part of Arsenal plans after swap deal emerges – Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal don’t want to sell Emile Smith Rowe this summer and he is a part of their long-term plans despite interest from West Ham United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Sun reported on 9 June that the Hammers wanted the 22-year-old included in any deal to sell Rice to the Gunners this summer, with David Moyes a “big fan” of the three-capped England international.
Mikel Arteta’s side are very keen on signing Rice this summer and are ready to table a bid in the region of £90million.
Writing in his Daily Briefing on Substack, Guardian journalist and transfer insider Romano said: “Arsenal want to submit a proposal for Declan Rice.
“We’ll see for sure when the offer is made, it’s hard to predict the day for now.
“Smith Rowe, however, is part of Arsenal’s plans for the future, they don’t want to let him go.”
Shame
Including a player in the sale of Rice looks like a smart option for the Hammers to pursue.
With few clubs likely to pluck up the £100million minimum price that the club are demanding, including a player of Smith Rowe’s ability could be the best way to strike a deal.
The Englishman fell out of favour at the Emirates Stadium last season, partly due to injuries and secondly due to the emergence of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard as regular first-team options.
However, there is no doubting the attacking midfielder’s ability.
When the 22-year-old carries the ball, he manages to glide past defenders with effortless ease. He can be compared in many senses to Jack Grealish when at his very best, and he looks like a cracking option for Moyes to pursue in order to bolster his attacking line.
Despite Arteta wanting to keep Smith Rowe at Arsenal this summer, his hand might be forced if there is no other way of affording Rice this summer.
This is certainly one to keep an eye on.