Smith Rowe to Chelsea transfer: Mudryk swap, enquiry rejected, Arsenal stance

Arsenal playmaker Emile Smith Rowe has been linked with a surprise summer transfer to London rivals Chelsea in recent days

Arsenal are open to selling Emile Smith Rowe before the summer transfer window closes if a huge offer comes in.

Chelsea have registered a strong interest in signing the England international - but their enquiry was swiftly rejected by the Gunners. Smith Rowe enjoyed a hugely impressive summer with England Under-21s, helping the Young Lions clinch the European Championship - but is yet to feature in the Premier League for Arsenal this season.

Mikel Arteta will need to rely on his squad depth this season with the return of Champions League football, but the Blues are said to be open about including players as a part of a player plus cash deal to sign the 23-year-old. With that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest updates on Smith Rowe's potential switch from the Emirates Stadium to Stamford Bridge.

Mykhailo Mudryk swap deal

Chelsea have shown a willingness to include players as part of a deal to sign Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe before the summer transfer window closes, according to the Daily Mail. This has sparked speculation that Mykhailo Mudryk could be included in a deal after the Blues hijacked the Gunners' move for the Ukraine international back in January 2022.

Mudryk had shown a willingness to join Arsenal before making the surprise switch to Stamford Bridge after Chelsea pipped their London rivals to an £88million deal. However, it now appears that the Ukrainian winger could end up playing for Mikel Arteta after all if he is included in a swap deal for Smith Rowe.

Arsenal respond to Chelsea interest

Arsenal have knocked back Chelsea's initial approach to sign Emile Smith Rowe, as per the Mail.

The Blues were said to be weighing up a move for the versatile winger, but have now been dealt a firm setback. The report states that the Gunners do not want to sell Smith Rowe to a direct rival, however sources claim 'an offer way above market value' could change that stance.

Meanwhile, there are also indications that Chelsea are open to the idea of a swap deal with Arsenal involving Smith Rowe.

Arsenal decision

According to the Times, Arsenal are willing to sell Smith Rowe following an approach from Chelsea.

The young playmaker is said to be frustrated with his lack of playing time so far this season. It is claimed that the Gunners haven't put an evaluation on the 23-year-old but he is among the players that could be sold before the transfer window slams shut later this week.

Chelsea interest

Mauricio Pochettino is interested in signing a new attacking midfielder with Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe recently emerging as a shock option.

According to the Mail, the Blues are weighing up a shock move for Smith Rowe. Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also on the clubs radar as alternatives.

Arsenal position plan

Mikel Arteta clearly values the traits of Emile Smith Rowe with his verdict on the England international in 2021 showcasing his importance to the club.

"I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions,” the Spaniard said in February 2021 in response to the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. "He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well, I think.”

Arteta stance

Mikel Arteta has already delivered his thoughts on Emile Smith Rowe with new links to Chelsea unlikely to change his views. Back in March, the Arsenal boss said: "He knows how much we love him, and we know how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities.

"And now he needs to prove it, he needs to prove how much he wants to win, and how much he's going to contribute to this team to be better and win. And he's going to have to show that to get in the team.

"I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he's in a position where we can throw him in the team at any moment. And then it's about how he's coping with the team in general and whether we have to take him off or to use him in the last few minutes of the game."