If his departure is approved, a bidding war for an Arsenal attacker would begin, with West Ham United thought to be first in line, according to reports.
The Gunners spent a lot of money this summer to improve Mikel Arteta’s midfield options. Granit Xhaka was virtually replaced by Kai Havertz, who both played box-to-box midfield under the Spaniard.
So far, the jury is still out on Havertz, but one player who has made an immediate impact is Declan Rice.
With Rice in the holding midfield position, Arteta has two attack-minded options on either side.
Havertz and Odegaard are his first choices, with Fabio Vieira waiting in the wings. Aside from the trio, Emile Smith Rowe is waiting for an opportunity.
It’s been a trying few years for the academy graduate, whose career has been plagued by injury setbacks.
Since the start of last season, the 23-year-old has appeared in just 19 games across all competitions. Making his delayed progress even more distressing is the fact that his 2021/22 season was so outstanding, with Smith Rowe scoring 10 goals in the Premier League alone.
Smith Rowe’s time in north London may be drawing to an end, with Odegaard, Havertz, and Vieira already on the books, and Football Insider saying another new signing might be on the way in January.
West Ham is hovering; is £35-£40 million enough?
FI understands Chelsea and West Ham were both interested over the summer. At the time, it is estimated that a bid of £35m-£40m would have been sufficient to close the sale.
A move was certainly not made, but the conclusion may be different in 2024.
According to FI, if Arsenal allows Smith Rowe to depart, he will generate’significant interest’ from the Premier League. The text constantly mentions West Ham as the most likely club to strike.
Furthermore, it has been stated that Smith Rowe might consider leaving if it became clear that he was low down the pecking order in the attacking midfield positions.
Given Smith Rowe’s injury history, a swoop would be fraught with danger. However, at only 23 years old and having already demonstrated his ability to make a significant impact at EPL level, his signing could prove to be a masterstroke for whatever club takes a chance.
