Arsenal aren't willing to include Emile Smith Rowe as part of any potential transfer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
That is according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed that the north Londoners value Smith Rowe, with the talented youngster in Mikel Arteta's long-term plans. football.london understands that Hammers captain Rice is Arteta's priority target for the summer transfer window as the Spaniard looks to strengthen his options in the centre of the park.
Recently some reports have claimed that West Ham could sanction an exit for the England international if his compatriot Smith Rowe comes the other way as part of the deal. But the Gunners won't be allowing any such deal, as per Romano.
“Arsenal want to submit a proposal for Declan Rice,” the Italian told Caught Offside. “We’ll see for sure when the offer is made, it’s hard to predict the day for now.
“Smith Rowe, however, is part of Arsenal’s plans for the future, they don’t want to let him go.” The Hale End academy graduate endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign, playing less than 200 minutes for Arsenal across all competitions.
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He struggled with various fitness problems, sidelined for over three months after undergoing surgery on a long-term groin issue before sustaining a thigh strain just as he was returning to action. When asked about the playmaker's lack of game time back in April, Arteta remained coy, urging the 22-year-old to continue working hard in training.
“He’s pushing, and in football what you did a year ago, a month ago is not important,” said the Spaniard. “It’s about what you do now, what you do yesterday and what you do tomorrow.
"The player has to have that mindset and the contribution has to be now to the team, it has to make us better and to make us win games. He’s very close.”
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