Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe gets on score sheet in behind-closed-doors win against Leyton Orient amid exit talk
Emile Smith Rowe scored what could prove to 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 heavy transfer speculation and talkSPORT understands a number of clubs are interested in signing him.
It’s been a tough few years for the 23-year-old, who started playing for the first team back in 2018 and seriously impressed in the 2020/21 season, only to fall out of favour and struggle with injuries.
Now, first team football is a priority for the Croydon-born star, who has two years left to run on his deal at Arsenal.
But despite all the transfer rumours surrounding him, Smith Rowe put that to one side as the Gunners took on League One side Leyton Orient at the club's training ground.
Arsenal won the match 2-0, with Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring after Eddie Nketiah squared it for him to fire home.
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Second half substitute Smith Rowe then doubled their lead after the break having been on the pitch for just three minutes.
Jesus controlled the ball, before laying off the former Huddersfield loan star.
Smith Rowe then riffled home to seal the deal for the north London outfit.
talkSPORT understands Crystal Palace are preparing a £30million offer to sign Emile Smith Rowe as they look to replace Michael Olise following his move to Bayern Munich.
Fulham have already had a £25million bid rejected.
Aston Villa and Serie A side Napoli have also been credited with an interest in the three-cap England international.
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Smith Rowe made just 13 Premier League appearances last season, registering only one assist.
Speaking 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 has been training really well and we felt the game could suit us.
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“I love him as a player, it is a joy to watch how he moves and how he changes direction.
“He was physical today without the ball, he wanted to make things happen. It was difficult to stop him and he helped us a lot to win the game.”