Chelsea are allegedly contemplating a surprise approach for Arsenal forward Emile Smith Rowe.
The Blues have been constantly active during the summer transfer window, helping build a squad for Mauricio Pochettino to develop over the coming years.
However, despite the wide array of talent that have arrived at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are still short in the final third, largely due to injuries.
Christopher Nkunku is sidelined until the back end of the year with a hamstring injury and Armando Broja must prove his fitness after suffering a serious knee injury in December.
Pochettino has acknowledged on more than one occasion at press conferences that he is eager to find another attacking option as soon as possible.
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Given the talent that will hopefully return to the fold in due course, the Argentine has hinted that there is more interest in a short-term fix over a long-term contract being handed out.
Nevertheless, according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are ready to test Arsenal's resolve regarding Smith Rowe over the coming days.
The England international is a boyhood Gunners fan and has contributed 18 goals and 11 assists from his 97 appearances in all competitions.
Despite those solid numbers, Smith Rowe has just 161 minutes of Premier League football to his name since the beginning of last season, largely due to injury.
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That said, the 23-year-old is no longer regarded as a first-choice pick under Mikel Arteta and faces the prospect of being restricted to rare opportunities during 2023-24.
Smith Rowe has remained as an unused substitute for each of Arsenal's opening three Premier League fixtures this campaign, giving Chelsea hope that a sale may be considered.
A move is not said to have been heavily discussed as it stands, yet it is an option seemingly being contemplated by club officials as they bid to deliver a fresh face for Pochettino.
The two clubs are no strangers to conducting business with Jorginho and Kai Havertz having each left Chelsea for Arsenal since the start of 2023.
Darren Plant
