Chelsea are interested in Emile Smith Rowe and have made an approach to Arsenal, though it’s unclear whether the Gunners would sell to a rival.

Charlotte Duncker reports for The Times that Chelsea have made an approach for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, with the 23-year-old frustrated by his lack of minutes for the Gunners this season so far.

Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Smith Rowe, and he’s been offered to other unnamed Premier League clubs, though there’s no clarity on whether the club would be willing to sell to Chelsea specifically.

As it stands, Arsenal haven’t put a specific valuation on Smith Rowe, but Duncker claims he’s among the player who could be sold.

Simon Phillips of Talk Chelsea initially broke the news of Chelsea interest, but again there’s nothing concrete on whether Arsenal would actually consider doing business with their big-six rivals.

Smith Rowe’s future seemed to be resolved earlier in the summer, with the Daily Mail reporting that the player had been informed by Arsenal that he’s in Mikel Arteta’s plans for the 2023/24 campaign, and the Gunners intend to keep him around this summer.

Smith Rowe had been linked with West Ham, Aston Villa, and Brighton, but at the time it seemed he was set to stay at Arsenal following his conversations with the club.

That wasn’t the first we’d heard that Smith Rowe was set to stay, as David Ornstein reported in May that Arsenal had no intention to sell him this summer.

But three months is a long time in football, and it’s not impossible the situation has changed since then.

Smith Rowe still has a contract until 2026, and he impressed with the England u21s at the European Championships.

The academy graduate made 15 appearances for Arsenal last season amid injury setbacks, providing one assist in the comeback win over Bournemouth and another on the final day of the season against Wolves.

The England international came off the bench in the Community Shield at the start of this month, but he’s yet to make an appearance in Arsenal’s three Premier League games so far – despite making the squad on each occasion.