Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe is a firm transfer target for West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
West Ham are eyeing up a move to sign Smith-Rowe in the summer transfer window, with Julen Lopetegui keen to bolster his attacking ranks at the London Stadium.
It’s not the first time the Hammers have been heavily linked with a move to sign the 23-year-old Englishman – he was said to be on our radar only a few months ago.
Lopetegui is said to be prioritising the signings of a proven striker and a top-class centre-back before our pre-season campaign begins next month.
However, the Spaniard needs to strengthen all over the pitch, if we are to be competitive on all fronts next season.
With Lucas Paqueta‘s future currently uncertain, West Ham may well need to sign a top quality attacking midfielder this summer.
Signing someone who’s versatile and can operate out wide as well will be the order of the day, and that’s maybe why Lopetegui is keeping a close eye on Smith-Rowe.
That said, Arsenal’s alleged demands for him really are rather ridiculous…
Emile Smith-Rowe could join West Ham but fee is an issue
The 23-year-old Gunners attacking midfielder looks like he’s set to leave the Emirates before the start of the new season.
Tuttomercatoweb claim that West Ham want to sign Arsenal man Emile Smith-Rowe this summer.
Smith-Rowe burst onto the scene at Arsenal back in 2020 when he essentially helped save Mikel Arteta’s job with a thrilling performance vs Chelsea.
However, his fall from grace is perhaps best described by The Guardian, who suggest that the 23-year-old has become somewhat of a ‘bit-part enigma’.
That’s what makes his asking price so surprising. TMW claim Arsenal are demanding £30 million for ESR this summer.
The Gunners star’s form has fallen off the edge of a cliff over the past year or so, with injury problems continuing to plague him.
He has missed a massive 132 games for club and country through injury since the start of the 2018 season (Transfermarkt).
Emile Smith-Rowe is clearly not robust enough to play 30 Premier League games or more per season, so I think West Ham should avoid a £30 million move to sign him from Arsenal this summer.
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