Bid rejected as 2 Premier League clubs step up Smith Rowe interest | OneFootball

Arsenal have rejected a bid from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe, with Crystal Palace also interested in the player.

Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe (R) controls the ball during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Luton Town at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 3, 2024. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Dharmesh Sheth of Sky Sports and Sam Dean of The Telegraph reported on Monday night that Arsenal had rejected a bid from Fulham for Emile Smith Rowe.

The size of Fulham’s bid was unclear, and Crystal Palace were also credited with an interest. Sheth suggested Palace may also have bid, though other sources are yet to confirm that.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal warms up prior to the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday morning that Fulham were considering whether to return with a new offer after seeing their first bid turned down.

Smith Rowe is reportedly one of the Fulham’s key targets and they’re prepared to invest some of the money they got from the sale of Joao Palhinha.

The Athletic confirm that Arsenal have rejected a bid from Fulham, with the Gunners keen to respect the player’s wishes for regular football.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Brentford and Arsenal at Gtech Community Stadium on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail writes that Crystal Palace are indeed also interested in Smith Rowe, though he denies that they’ve made a bid so far.

It’s reportedly “very likely” Palace will make an offer, but that it will fall short of Arsenal’s reported £40m valuation.

Robert Summerscales of the same outlet had reported on Monday night that Fulham have suggested they could reach that £40m valuation.

As of yet, no one has had a bid accepted, so the race remains open. Smith Rowe is in pre-season training with Arsenal for now.