Arsenal set £35 million price tag for midfielder who has been compared to Ray Parlour

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that Arsenal have set a price on English midfielder Emile Smith Rowe this summer.

Since his breakout season in the 2021/2022 campaign under Mikel Arteta, English attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has been limited in his opportunities for Arsenal.

With club captain Martin Odegaard naturally a consistent starter for the North London club due to his status in the squad, and with Fabio Vieira as a more than capable deputy, Smith Rowe has found his chances limited.

Last season, for example, Smith Rowe played just 13 Premier League games, and he only started three of these games for the Gunners.

Arsenal set price tag for Smith Rowe

Sources have told HITC that the Gunners have slapped a £35 million price tag on the head of the Englishman this summer.

Crystal Palace and Fulham have both had bids rejected for the midfielder – who Arsenal are ready part company with this summer.

However, HITC understands that the Gunners want £35 million for the midfielder plus add-ons if they are to allow him to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer.

23-year-old Smith Rowe has made it clear to Arsenal that he is ready to move on this summer as he seeks regular first-team football.

Smith Rowe is certainly good enough to be a starter for multiple Premier League sides this summer and it seems the Englishman is ready to take the plunge and move elsewhere.

Fulham and Crystal Palace ready to make new offers

Sources have told HITC that, despite Fulham and Crystal Palace seeing offers rejected for the midfielder, they are both prepared to make another bid.

However, despite the two London clubs ready to make new offers, there is interest from elsewhere with West Ham United, Wolves, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest amongst those who are considering making a move.

As mentioned, his breakthrough season came in the 2021/22 campaign with Smith Rowe netting 10 times in the Premier League.

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown praised Smith Rowe by comparing him to another former Gunners midfielder.

“Ray Parlour was a player that probably never got the credit he deserved,” Keown told the Evening Standard.

“Ray didn’t stay out wide out all the time, he would tuck in, deep into midfield. I’ve seen Smith Rowe do that quite a few times.”