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Arsenal have turned down Chelsea\u2019s first approach to sign Emile Smith Rowe, according to reports.<\/p>\n
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Chelsea are looking to bolster Mauricio Pochettino\u2019s squad with another attacking option and Smith Rowe has emerged as a candidate for a late move to Stamford Bridge.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s understood that Arsenal are open to selling the 23-year-old, who has not featured in any of their three Premier League games so far this season.<\/p>\n
However, MailOnline reports that Chelsea initial move for Smith Rowe has been met with a \u2018short thrift\u2019 by Arsenal.<\/p>\n
The report claims that the Gunners are unwilling to sell the midfielder to a direct Premier League rival.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also claimed that Chelsea would be willing to offer players to Arsenal as part of their deal to sign Smith Rowe.<\/p>\n
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Speaking last week, Pochettino made it clear that Chelsea are working on bringing in a new attacking signing before the window closes on Friday with Christopher Nkunku sidelined until the end of the year, while Armando Broja, Carney Chukwuemeka and Mykhailo Mudryk are also unavailable.<\/p>\n
\u2018We were talking about one offensive player with the right profile to help,\u2019 Pochettino said. <\/p>\n
\u2018If you said to me we can add the right profile? Yes [we would sign someone].\u2019<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Smith Rowe is keen to secure more playing time after falling out of favour with Mikel Arteta.<\/p>\n
The midfielder struggled to secure a regular role under Arteta last season after undergoing groin surgery and made 12 appearances in the Premier League \u2013 all of which came off the bench.<\/p>\n
But earlier this summer, he played a pivotal role in England\u2019s victory in the European Under-21 Championship.<\/p>\n