West Ham United are reportedly considering a summer transfer move for Arsenal's attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe.
The 23-year-old has been largely overlooked at the Emirates Stadium recently and has struggled to secure a spot in the first team since recovering from injury.
Smith Rowe has made just 16 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions this season and has only made the starting 11 on three occasions.
The England international had the opportunity to move to the London Stadium when West Ham manager David Moyes attempted to sign him in January, but a proposed move ultimately failed to materialise.
According to football journalist Rudy Galetti, via CaughtOffside, the Hammers might make another attempt to sign the England international during the summer transfer window.
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The report adds that Smith Rowe's future at Arsenal appears to be uncertain at the moment, and there is a genuine possibility that he may slip further in the pecking order under manager Mikel Arteta next season.
West Ham are expected to look to strengthen their midfield in the next transfer window, with Lucas Paqueta being heavily linked with a possible move to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
The Citizens had previously made efforts to secure the Brazilian last summer, but the potential transfer was derailed by allegations of the player's involvement in illicit gambling.
Still, despite the setback, it is believed that City remain interested in the Brazilian and may look to revive the deal in the upcoming transfer window.
Indeed, Smith Rowe's injury record will undoubtedly be a concern for West Ham, but providing him with regular playing time and effectively managing his workload could potentially help the Hammers rejuvenate the young player and bring him back to his best form.
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As a product of Arsenal's Hale End academy, Smith Rowe has been with the Gunners for the past 13 years, having joined them at the age of 10.
Over the course of his tenure, the midfielder has amassed 112 appearances for the club across all competitions and has found the net 18 times.
His most notable season thus far was the 2020-21 campaign, during which he featured in 33 Premier League matches and scored 10 goals in that time.
The Gunners will have the opportunity to move to the top of the Premier League standings on Saturday when they face Brentford at home, with Liverpool and Man City set to lock horns on Sunday afternoon.
Devesh Jaganath
