Arsenal reject West Ham move for attacker

Arsenal will be hoping to close in on Premier League leaders Liverpool with victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon. 

The Gunners currently occupy fourth place in the top flight table – five points behind the Reds – but could move above third-placed Aston Villa with a win over the Eagles.

Manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping to see his side end their recent run of poor form, with the Gunners having won just once in their last five Premier League games.

Ahead of the game, though, the North London outfit have rejected interest from a Premier League rival in one of their academy graduates.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have rejected an approach from West Ham United about the availability of Emile Smith-Rowe.

The attacking midfielder is a product of the Gunners’ youth academy but has failed to ever establish himself as a regular at The Emirates.

Smith-Rowe is keen to stay at Arsenal despite interest from West Ham United

In total the 23-year-old has made 108 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 18 goals and providing 12 assists.

The Italian journalist claims that the Hammers made an enquiry to sign the Englishman on loan for the remainder of the season, but Arsenal have no interest in allowing the midfielder to depart as he remains an important player for Arteta.

Despite this, Smith-Rowe has struggled to establish himself in the Spaniard’s first team, making just 12 appearances across all competitions.

The three-time England international has started just one Premier League game so far this term.

It is also claimed that the player himself is happy to stay put at The Emirates, despite his relative lack of playing time in recent months.

Smith-Rowe’s current contract with the Gunners is set to run until the summer of 2026.