Arsenal reject offer from Chelsea for England international

Chelsea face League Two side AFC Wimbledon in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. 

Mauricio Pochettino picked up his first win since taking charge of the club when they cruised to a 3-0 win over Luton Town on Friday night.

Raheem Sterling scored twice against the Hatters and also provided the assist for Nicolas Jackson to score the Blues’ third.

Pochettino could opt to rotate his side for the game against the Dons, though, with several youngsters likely to be involved in the match.

Chelsea have been extremely busy so far this summer with several incomings and outgoings having already been completed, but it appears that the West London club are still active in the market.

According to 90min, Chelsea have had an approach for Arsenal star Emile Smith-Rowe rejected by the Gunners.

Smith-Rowe has emerged as a surprise target for rivals Chelsea

The report claims that Chelsea have made an enquiry about the availability of the Englishman, but the North London outfit have rejected the approach.

Smith-Rowe, 23, is a product of Arsenal’s youth academy but has played a bit-part role over the past few years.

In total the attacker has made 97 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 11 assists.

Chelsea are hoping to sign an attacker in the final days of the transfer window and, having missed out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, they had looked at the possibility of signing Smith-Rowe.

Pochettino was handed a huge blow earlier this summer when new signing Christopher Nkunku was ruled out for several weeks after suffering an injury during a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund, and things were worsened when Carney Chukwuemeka suffered an injury setback.

Smith-Rowe has struggled for opportunities under Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, and played just 14 times across all competitions last season.

The three-time England international made a substitute appearance during Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City at Wembley earlier this month, but hasn’t been involved in any of their three league games.