Arsenal has reaffirmed its stance on retaining Emile Smith Rowe, rejecting a £30 million bid from Fulham and bracing for a potential £35 million offer from Crystal Palace.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal interacts with teammate Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal interacts with teammate Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

The Gunners‘ decision to turn down Fulham’s initial £30m offer, which included add-ons, underscores their valuation of the 23-year-old England international, despite his limited playing time last season.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, is understood to be keen on keeping Smith Rowe, viewing him as a valuable asset despite his recent struggles with a knee injury and increased competition for places.

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)

Crystal Palace’s entry into the bidding war further complicates the situation. The Eagles’ rumoured £35 million offer, also including bonuses, could tempt Arsenal to reconsider their stance. However, it remains to be seen whether this figure will meet Arsenal’s undisclosed valuation.

A product of Arsenal’s Hale End academy, Smith Rowe burst onto the scene in the 2021-22 season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 10 goals and earning three senior England caps.

Crystal Palace, in particular, sees Smith Rowe as a fitting replacement for Michael Olise, who recently departed for Bayern Munich. The Croydon-born midfielder fits the profile of player the Eagles have targeted in recent years, and manager Oliver Glasner is reportedly eager to secure his services.

Smith Rowe’s desire for regular first-team football is a key factor in this transfer saga. His limited opportunities last season have fuelled speculation about his future, and a move to either Fulham or Crystal Palace could offer him the chance to reignite his career.

Arsenal’s decision to reject Fulham’s bid indicates their willingness to hold out for a substantial offer. While the club values Smith Rowe’s potential, a significant financial incentive could sway their decision, especially considering the player’s desire for more playing time.