West Ham United expressed an interest in signing Emile Smith Rowe on loan this week, but Arsenal have rejected the approach.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

A whirlwind transfer saga began on Friday with a report from West Ham United insider ExWHUEmployee, who broke the news that the club had made an approach over a loan deal for Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe.

The Guardian picked up the story, reporting that the Hammers had opened talks and asked Arsenal about Smith Rowe, before Jason Burt of The Telegraph and Alex Crook of talkSPORT confirmed the news.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted that West Ham had approached Arsenal over a loan, and talks were taking place to see if there could be a way to structure a deal.

But just as quickly as the links appeared, they were quickly dismissed.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Both ExWHUEmployee and Arsenal insider Team News and Ticks reported that neither the Gunners nor Smith Rowe himself were at all interested in the loan move.

CBS Sports’ James Benge wrote that those close to Smith Rowe claimed he’s “all-in” on winning his place back at Arsenal, and he’s never wavered in his belief that he’ll return to the starting lineup when he’s fully fit.

Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth tweeted that several Premier League clubs are interested in Smith Rowe, but he’s focused on fighting for his spot at Arsenal, and he’s not expecting to leave this month.

Sheth claimed Smith Rowe is believed to be happy at the Gunners despite his recent limited minutes.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on August 21, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

When asked about Smith Rowe in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s match against Crystal Palace, Mikel Arteta didn’t do much to fuel any exit talk.

“I’m really happy with Emile, he’s on the right trajectory now he’s settled and he’s training really well,” Arteta said. “You know that I’m not going to talk about any individual situation.

“Emile is Emile. He’s got incredible qualities, we are really happy to have him and what he needs now is chances to put all those desired qualities on the pitch. In order to do that, we have to give him minutes.”