Transfer Talk: Smith Rowe on Chelsea radar after Arsenal struggles

Emile Smith Rowe is being linked with a move away from Arsenal in the final days of the summer transfer window.

Reports suggest the Gunners may look to cash in on the 23-year-old, with London rivals Chelsea touted as a possible destination.

The Englishman has yet to feature in the Premier League this season for Mikel Arteta's side after a short cameo in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

With a move away from the Emirates looking more likely than ever, we shine the spotlight on the Hale End academy graduate.

Gunners decline

Smith Rowe has been hampered by injuries since enjoying a breakthrough season in 2021-22.

The Croydon-born maestro scored 10 goals and registered two assists in the Premier League as Arsenal narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification.

But last term, a serious groin injury saw Smith Rowe restricted to just 12 appearances in the top flight and not a single one came as a starter.

With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson all making significant impacts during this lull, the prospect of him being afforded crucial minutes by Arteta in the near future looks unlikely.

Not giving up

However, Smith Rowe previously stated his intent to fight for his place at Arsenal.

The three-cap international has been part of the Gunners' set-up since 2010, eventually making his senior debut against Vorskla Poltava in September 2018 at the age of 18.

Speaking back in June, he said: "Arsenal are my club and I'm not going to give up until [Arteta] says he doesn't want me.

"But that is not the case. He wants me as part of the team and I want to fight for my place and get back in the team."

Jack of all trades

One of Smith Rowe's strongest attributes is his versatility.

The young talent's favoured position is on the left wing but he can play anywhere across the forward line, even operating as a false nine in Arsenal's Europa League semi-final first leg draw at Villarreal in April 2021.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be in the market for an attacker who can deputise in multiples roles and Arteta himself shed light on Smith Rowe's ability to meet that criteria.

The Basque manager said last year: "I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions.

"He can play as a left winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a No9."

Decision time

Selling a homegrown talent with so many strings to his bow to a direct rival would be a strange move by Arsenal.

With Premier League and Champions League games set to come thick and fast, Smith Rowe's skill-set should prove invaluable and smooth Arteta's process of squad rotation.

And while Chelsea have offloaded a number of midfielders and attackers this summer, including Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, game time may still not be easy to come by at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues' squad is loaded with quality after another summer of lavish spending and with no European football on offer, chances to break into the starting XI will be at a premium.

Smith Rowe's Arsenal career has been on hold for the last 18 months but offering him one last chance for redemption may perhaps be the best course of action.