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Arsenal transfer news: Attacker 'ready' to hand in transfer request

Arsenal attacker 'ready' to hand in transfer request
© Reuters
One of Arsenal's attacking contingent is reportedly prepared to hand in a transfer request to help force a move away from the Emirates Stadium.

Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly ready to formally tell Arsenal that he wants to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Since progressing through the academy system, the versatile attacker has racked up 18 goals and 13 assists from 115 appearances in all competitions.

As many as 12 of those contributions came during the 2021-22 Premier League campaign when the England international was a key man under Mikel Arteta.

However, the 23-year-old has since slipped down the pecking order, a consequence of a number of injuries suffered over the past two years.

Smith Rowe has earned just 508 minutes of top-flight football over that timeframe and the fact that it has come over 25 appearances highlights he is no longer regarded as a first-choice player.

Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe looks dejected after being substituted due to injury on March 4, 2023© Reuters

Smith Rowe keen to force exit

According to Football Insider, Smith Rowe is prepared to tell Arsenal officials that he would prefer to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The player is eager to join a club where he can play regular football, something which will realistically not be achieved at the Gunners given that they have since developed into Premier League and Champions League contenders.

Given their desire to bolster their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, Arsenal are unlikely to stand in Smith Rowe's way.

Nevertheless, it is maintained that Arsenal are prepared to stick to their £30m valuation courtesy of Smith Rowe's homegrown status.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery before the match on May 9, 2024© Reuters

Which clubs may be interested?

The report adds that Aston Villa are one of three clubs who have a strong interest in acquiring the services of Smith Rowe.

Unai Emery is no stranger to the playmaker having handed him his debut at Arsenal during the 2018-19 campaign, and a reunion may be viewed as a natural move.

While Villa can offer Champions League football, the likes of Fulham and Crystal Palace could be better options if Smith Rowe wishes to play every week.

Both London clubs are eager to push on and challenge for the European places in 2024-25, particularly the latter who were outstanding during the final stages of the most recent campaign.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


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