Arsenal have entered an important summer transfer window as they aim to fine-tune their squad to mount another Premier League title challenge.
The Gunners finished two points behind eventual champions Manchester City, making it their second successive second-place finish in the Premier League.
In recent weeks, Mikel Arteta‘s side have been linked with a host of players, but potential outgoings could dictate just how much they can spend this summer.
One player who has been linked with a departure is Emile Smith Rowe, who featured sparingly for Arteta last season.
The 23-year-old played just 19 times across all competitions as he found himself on the fringes of the squad.
Arsenal expect official bids for Emile Smith Rowe imminently amid Fulham and Crystal Palace interest
Smith Rowe is clearly not indispensable at the club and could move on this summer in search of regular game time. Arsenal reporter Charles Watts shared the latest update on the Englishman’s future, with Fulham and Crystal Palace said to be at the front of the queue to secure his signature.
He said on the Charles Watts podcast: “There’s a lot of talk at the moment about Emile Smith Rowe and that talks are being initiated between interested clubs and Emile. I wouldn’t deny that but I haven’t heard anything about it.
“I don’t think it’s at that stage yet but it’s very close to getting there. There are discussions going on between clubs and representatives to sound out where Emile wants to go and what the deal is with Arsenal. When that’s all sorted, the official talks or bids will follow. Arsenal want £40m – Fulham and Crystal Palace are said to be leading the race.
“I said yesterday that it wouldn’t surprise me if things really start to move on in the next week or so as we might start hearing more about actual bids. As far as I’m aware, we’re close to it but I don’t think anyone has properly gone to Arsenal and said ‘This is what we’re offering’ but we’re probably getting to that stage.”
What does the summer hold for Emile Smith Rowe?
Smith Rowe has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and has missed a lot of football in his young career so far, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him move on this summer.
Arsenal’s £40m price tag might seem steep for someone as injury-prone as Smith Rowe, but he’s only 23 and has the lion’s share of his career ahead of him, so it’s unlikely to deter potential suitors.
The Gunners, meanwhile, could reinvest the money to buy another midfielder to add to their existing options.