Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has emerged as a shock transfer target for Chelsea with Mauricio Pochettino keen on adding an attacker to his squad before the window closes on Friday.

While talks are not thought to be at an advanced stage yet, reports suggest Arsenal could allow the 23-year-old to leave north London.

According to the Times via Metro, Arsenal have offered Smith Rowe to several unnamed Premier League sides and are looking for a fee of around £40million.

After struggling with a groin problem at the start of last season, the 23-year-old underwent surgery which saw him miss the first half of the 2022-23 campaign as Arsenal challenged Manchester City for the title.

Following his return to the squad in January, he failed to start a single league game in the second half of the season.

Smith Rowe has remained on the bench in Arsenal’s opening three games of the new campaign.