Reece James has already given Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino advice on Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer decision
Reece James appears to have given Chelsea permission to sign Emile Smith Rowe. The Arsenal player has recently been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino seeks a dynamic attacking midfielder before the summer transfer window closes.
Smith Rowe gained his first senior England call-up in November 2021, following a strong start to the season. The then-21-year-old has four goals and two assists in the Gunners’ first 11 Premier League games of the season.
Reece James has already given Chelsea and Mauricio Pochettino advice on Emile Smith Rowe’s transfer decision
Smith Rowe took over for Marcus Rashford, who was forced to withdraw from the Three Lions camp owing to sickness. Despite the fact that Gareth Southgate did not initially select him, James recalled his time at the Chelsea academy with the Arsenal ace and praised him as a “top player.”
“I’ve always known he’s a top player,” Blues defender stated. “He came to Chelsea on trial when he was quite young.” I recall playing with and against him even before he joined Arsenal, so I knew he was a fantastic player, and I think this season he’s proven how talented he is and why he’s been selected.”
When asked about Smith Rowe’s performance in training at St George’s Park, James responded, “What he’s like in games, everyone can see how good he is and how well he’s been doing.”
Smith Rowe continued to impress throughout the rest of the 2021/22 season, tallying 10 goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances. However, just a month or so into the new season, the Hale End graduate sustained a groin injury.
Despite his remarkable versatility, Smith Rowe unable to break into the Arsenal starting lineup after returning from injury. Mikel Arteta said in February last year that the Englishman can play up to four positions, although he’s only played three minutes of senior football in 2022/23.
“I think Smith Rowe can play in four positions,” said the Gunners boss. “He can play as a left-winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, right attacking midfielder and he can play as a 9; very, very well I think.”
On his best role, Smith Rowe has said: “I see myself as a No.10, on the inside, but at the same time, because of the way we play at Arsenal, if I am on the wing, then the manager is telling me to drift inside and be natural like a No.10 anyway.”
