Arsenal 'reject midfielder bids' from Premier League rivals

Arsenal have rejected bids from both Fulham and Crystal Palace for attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, a report has revealed.

Smith Rowe, who graduated from Arsenal's Hale End academy, has struggled to earn regular game time under Mikel Arteta in recent years. He made just 19 appearances across the entirety of the 2023/24 campaign, registering two assists for the Gunners.

His place in the pecking order has taken a hit with the emergence of other players in attack and now Smith Rowe could opt for a summer move to earn a starting spot in the Premier League.

But, as per reports from Sky Sports, interested clubs will still need to impress Arsenal in order to secure Smith Rowe's signature, with the north London side denying bids from both Fulham and Palace.

Previous reports revealed the midfielder as one of Fulham's priority signings this summer, with Marco Silva hoping to bolster the attacking power available to him after Bobby De Cordova-Reid's exit to Leicester City. Willian is also reported to be considering his future at the club.

Arsenal, however, view Smith Rowe as a profitable asset and will demand a reasonable sum for their homegrown talent.

The Gunners seemed to have turned their attentions towards incoming players, with Spain's Mikel Merino firmly on their radar. Arsenal will have to rival Barcelona if they are to steal Merino's signature this summer, but their interest in the Real Sociedad player suggests that an exit for Smith Rowe could be on the horizon.

Arsenal's movements in the summer window have so far been slow, with new Profit & Sustainability Rules forcing the club to remain vigilant in their signings. So far, David Raya is the only permanent signing of the summer, with the shot stopper committing to his future at Arsenal after a successful loan spell from Brentford.

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