Arsenal rebuff Monaco’s attempts to sign Smith Rowe on a permanent deal

Arsenal have rebuffed Monaco’s attempts to sign Emile Smith Rowe on a permanent deal, according to the Daily Mail.

The French side are the first club to show genuine interest in signing the Arsenal academy graduate this summer. Their sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is a big fan of Smith Rowe. He was the head of recruitment at Red Bull Leipzig when the 20 year old signed for the German club on loan in January 2019. Unfortunately, injuries prevented the player from having a significant impact during his time in Germany.

Monaco are not the only side interested in the Englishman. Crystal Palace have registered an interest in the player and would be open to signing him permanently. Leeds United and Fulham are keen on signing him on loan. 

Smith Rowe spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Huddersfield Town and became a fan favourite. He put in a number of impressive performances for the Terriers. The England Under 17 World Cup winner scored a goal in Huddersfield’s 3-2 defeat to Fulham and almost single handedly inspired a comeback after being 3-0 down. 

He is fondly remembered at Elland Road as he scored the winning goal against West Bromwich Albion last month to seal Leed United’s promotion back to the Premier League.

The 20 year old is highly rated by Mikel Arteta and the coaches at Arsenal. He has scored three goals in 12 appearances for Arsenal since making his debut in 2018. He is expected to be involved in the senior side this season.