Arsenal reject Chelsea's approach for Emile Smith Rowe

Arsenal have rejected an initial approach from Chelsea for Emile Smith Rowe, Daily Mail reports. 

Mauricio Pochettino wants to add an attacker to his ranks before Friday’s transfer deadline and Smith Rowe is among the names the Blues have enquired about.

It was reported that the Gunners could accept a £35-40million offer for Smith Rowe, despite the player having three years left on his contract.

Times: Arsenal willing to sell 'frustrated' Smith Rowe to Chelsea (reliability: 5 stars)

Chelsea’s overtures have been met with short thrift by Arsenal who have told their London rivals they do not want to sell to a direct competitor team.

Sources, however, claim that an offer way above market value may tempt the Gunners into selling before Friday’s deadline.

But as things stand, there appears to be minimal chance of that deal taking place. Sources have indicated that Chelsea have shown a willingness to include players as a sweetener in any deal with Arsenal.

Smith Rowe is among several Arsenal players linked with a departure as Arteta seeks to recoup money after the club's net spend of around £170million this summer.

Hr has played just 161 minutes of football for the Gunners in 12 appearances last term, after enduring an ankle injury.

Fabio Vieira, who endured a difficult first season at Arsenal, appears to be above the England international in the pecking order, having impressed from the bench against Fulham.

Since graduating from the Arsenal youth team Smith Rowe has made 97 senior appearances for the club, netting 18 goals and claiming 11 assists. He was one of Arsenal's standout performers over the course of the 2021/22 season, ending the campaign as the club's joint-top scorer.

However, the midfielder has featured heavily for England's under-21's, playing a central part in the team's European Championship victory this summer. Across the competition, he claimed two goals and assists.

Smith Rowe has also represented the senior England side under Gareth Southgate on three occasions.