Emile Smith Rowe: Arsenal starlet attracting interest from Monaco, Crystal Palace and Fulham

England U20 international impressed on loan at Huddersfield last season

(Reuters)

Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is subject to interest from Monaco, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The Independent understands that the 20-year-old academy graduate, who spent last season on loan at Huddersfield, has become a target for several clubs but any decision on his future will not be made until a later date in the window.

Arteta has reintegrated Smith Rowe into his first-team squad for pre-season after an impressive stint in his favoured No 10 role under Danny Cowley. However, further incomings at Arsenal are likely to dictate whether he spends another year away.

It's unclear yet whether Arsenal could be tempted to consider a permanent move, with Arteta himself saying he was "excited to work with" Smith Rowe. Yet, the club are keen to raise funds for further incomings, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles edging towards a move to Wolves for a fee set to be in the region of £20m.

The England U20 international made a stunning breakthrough into Arsenal’s first team in 2018, scoring three goals in six appearances under Unai Emery, but was limited to just three Bundesliga appearances on loan at RB Leipzig due to a groin injury.

Leipzig’s former sporting director, Paul Mitchell, was keen to sign Smith Rowe again in the summer of 2019, but Smith Rowe ultimately spent the first half of the season at Arsenal before joining the Terriers. Mitchell, now sporting director at Monaco, has retained his interest and is keen to bring Smith Rowe to Ligue 1 permanently.

Palace’s priority is QPR playmaker Eberechi Eze, with the Eagles expected to make a new offer for the 22-year-old after having a £12m bid rejected weeks ago.

Fulham have also been linked with Eze, but will look to complete the £8m signing of Harrison Reed from Southampton first.