Fulham face uphill battle to convince Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe to sign amid interest from Serie A

Emile Smith Rowe is attracting interest from Arsenal's London rivals Fulham as well as Napoli, talkSPORT understands.

But the Cottagers are believed to face an uphill battle to convince the 23 years old to make the change.

He gunners star is a transfer priority for Marco Silva's side as they look to add crucial quality ahead of the new season.

However Fulham faces a complicated test to reach an agreement with the Serie A team Naples Also interested in a move.

The Italian team is looking to rebuild after a disappointing 10th place finish after failing to defend its Scudetto title.

Aston Villa They are also interested in a move for the midfielder, however their interest could depend on his ability to offload players first.

The most important thing is that Unai Emery's team could offer him the Champions League.

In January, Smith Rowe was targeted loan interest from West Ham, but chose to stay at the Emirates to fight for his place.

Smith Rowe has fallen down Arsenal's pecking order after starting just four times for the Gunners in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign.

It has been more than two years since the Hale End graduate scored for Arsenal, which came in a 4-2 home win. Chelsea in April 2022.

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Injuries have played a part in his struggles in north London, but given his undoubted talent, the three-cap England international will be keen to show his quality on a weekly basis going forward.

Martin Keown discussed the Smith Rowe situation on talkSPORT in January and said he should be sold if not in Mikel ArtetaThe plans of.

He said: “I'm worried Smith Rowe isn't getting enough football.

“But they won't let him go on loan to West Ham. They want cash for the players now, right? If they are going to sell, that decision needs to be made.

“They might think 'ok, let's give him one more chance on loan to see if he's what we think he is because he's had a lot of injuries.'

“I think if Arsenal are looking to do something or do some business and want to get a striker, there is a narrative that they are not scoring goals, maybe this is the best way to raise some money.

“I don't want him to leave, I think he has exceptional talent. But obviously, with financial fair play, Arsenal will have to make something happen.”