Crystal Palace are to set to launch a bid for Arsenal’s forgotten man, as the Eagles look to pip London rivals Fulham to his signature.
The Cottagers had a £30m bid for the midfielder rejected earlier this week, and now according to Fabrizio Romano, Palace are set to test the Gunners resolve by making a move for the 23-year-old.
The player is under contract at the Emirates Stadium until June 2026, but is keen to find first-team football and that could mean leaving North London.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner is a big fan of midfield star which is why Palace will see if they can tempt him to Selhurst Park.
He has seen his first team opportunities dwindle after a frustrating couple of seasons dogged by groin and knee injuries, but Emile Smith-Rowe is already in pre-season training with the Gunners.
Emile Smith-Rowe is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace, who are set to bid for him
Palace boss Oliver Glasner is said to be a big fan of the midfielder, prompting Palace bid
Smith-Rowe has struggled for injuries in the past two seasons but wants first team football
In his absence, Mikel Arteta has shaped his midfield at the club and it’s meant Smith-Rowe has seen little action since returning to fitness.
Since making his debut as a teenager in 2018, he has played 115 times for the club, scoring 10 goals, but only manager 13 appearances last campaign.
His form over the 2021-22 season saw him earn an call-up to the full England squad, and won three caps for his country and scored in the 10-0 win over San Marino in November 2021.
Crystal Palace have money to spend following Michael Olise’s move to Bayern Munich
Smith-Rowe also tasted success at England youth levels, he was part of the England team that won the U17 World Cup in 2017 and the Young Lions side that won the U21 Euros six years later.
Palace are looking to help fill the gap left by Michael Olise’s move to Bayern Munich and Smith-Rowe could offer another option in the Eagles’ attack.
So far this summer, the club have signed defender Chadi Riad from Barcelona and Japanese striker Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio.
