Emile Smith Rowe scored what may be one of his last goals for Arsenal in a pre-season friendly win over Leyton Orient.
The Gunners academy product has been the subject of intense transfer speculation and The Pitch Prospect has learned that several clubs are interested in signing him.
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It has been a tough few years for the 23-year-old, who first played for the first team in 2018 and really impressed in the 2020/21 season, but then fell out of favour and struggled with injuries.
Now first team football is the priority for the Croydon-born star, who has two years left on his Arsenal contract.
But despite all the transfer rumours surrounding him, Smith Rowe put those rumours to rest as the Gunners faced League One side Leyton Orient at the club’s training ground.
Arsenal won the match 2-0. Gabriel Jesus scored the first goal after Eddie Nketiah crossed the ball for him to shoot home.
Second-half substitute Smith Rowe doubled the lead after the break, despite only having been on the pitch for three minutes.
Jesus controlled the ball before laying off the former Huddersfield loan star.
Smith Rowe then scored the decisive goal to seal the deal for the North London team.
The Pitch Prospect has learned that Crystal Palace are preparing a £30 million bid to sign Emile Smith Rowe to replace Michael Olise following his move to Bayern Munich.
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An offer from Fulham for £25 million has already been rejected.
Aston Villa and Serie A club Napoli are also said to be interested in the three-time England international.
Smith Rowe only made 13 Premier League appearances last season and recorded just one assist.
After Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Luton in April, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said of the player: “I was really impressed with him.
“He trained really well and we felt that the game could suit us.
“I love him as a player, it’s a joy to see him move and change direction.
“He was physically strong without the ball today, he wanted to make a difference. It was difficult to stop him and he helped us a lot to win the game.”