Chelsea plotting a surprise move for out-of-favour Arsenal midfielder

Chelsea weigh up a move for Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe before the transfer window deadline

As per the Daily Mail transfer update, Chelsea are eyeing up a move for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe in the final days of this transfer window.

The Blues are looking to strengthen their attack before the deadline. Although the interest in the young Englishman is not advanced yet, his name is in the discussion among the club hierarchy.

The 23-year-old did not play much last season and had injury issues. If we take a look at the numbers, he was on the field for 195 minutes in all competitions.

The season prior to that though saw him grow as a player. He made 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and assisting two (Transfermarkt).

If we look at Smith-Rowe’s attributes, versatility is one of his key strengths. Although comfortable operating as a number 10, he can play on the wing if needed or as one of the number eights in a three-man midfield.

The 23-year-old possesses the ability to carry the ball from the middle third to the final third and create chances for the team. He has a good shot in him and can work hard off the ball.

With Chelsea losing Christopher Nkunku till December and Carney Chukwuemeka for the next month or so, getting the Arsenal man would not be a bad option.

There was a reason why the club were in the reckoning for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson, a player somewhat similar in mould to Smith Rowe. They eventually pulled out of signing the former though.

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A lot can happen in the last four days of this window. So, we cannot rule anything out regarding transfers, especially when we talk about what business Chelsea can do. Smith Rowe would be a clever signing by all means. Doubt Arsenal will sell him unless a significant fee is offered.