Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a late move for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
The Blues have already spent around £350million this summer to rebuild the squad under new boss Mauricio Pochettino. Despite all the money spent on new recruits, the west London outfit look light in the forward unit. As a result, Mauricio Pochettino wants to bolster his attack before Friday’s transfer deadline.
According to The Times, Chelsea have made an approach to Arsenal over the potential swoop of Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe, 23, endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign after an early groin surgery, managing only 12 Premier League appearances in the process. The attacking midfielder played a big part in England’s triumph at the Under-21 European Championships, but he has yet to feature in the Premier League this term.
Following the big-money acquisitions of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, Smith Rowe has fallen down the pecking order. And after Chelsea made an approach, Arsenal are willing to sell him before the transfer window slams shut, the report adds.
Emile Smith Rowe to Chelsea—Good option for Mauricio Pochettino?
Chelsea are scouring the market for offensive signings after injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka. At the moment, Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke are the only senior attacking options available to Mauricio Pochettino.
As a result, the Pensioners have contacted Arsenal over the possibility of signing Emile Smith Rowe. Smith Rowe was once considered as an undisputed starter for Arsenal but his situation has changed over the last 18 months. The England under-21 international is no more a guaranteed starter under Mikel Arteta and is yet to make an appearance this season.
A lack of game time and huge competition within the squad could play a huge role for the player in deciding to end his time at the Emirates Stadium. And a move to Chelsea may well be ideal for Smith Rowe, where he could get regular opportunities to develop and revive his stuttering career under the watchful eyes of Pochettino.
The Croydon-born talent is an attacking midfielder by trade but is capable of playing on the left flank or in a slightly deeper role in midfield. Such versatility is certain to appeal to Pochettino, and considering everything else, Emile Smith Rowe, for a rumoured fee of £30 million, will come across a cost-effective solution to Chelsea’s attack. Equally, he’d add creativity and control to Pochettino’s side, whilst providing much-needed cover on the left flank for Sterling and Mudryk.
The playmaker, who has scored 18 goals in his first 97 first-team appearances for Arsenal, deserves to play regularly to unlock his massive potential. Under Pochettino, he could get back to his best and dazzle again in the Premier League. If Chelsea table a sizeable offer in the coming days, a transfer could be wrapped up soon.