HITC Football has learned that West Ham United is expressing interest in securing Arsenal’s sought-after talent, Emile Smith Rowe, on loan in the January transfer window.

Smith Rowe, 23, has faced another injury-prone season at the Emirates Stadium. Despite making 12 appearances across all competitions, he has started in only two under Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta, with just one as a starter in a Premier League match.

Seeking more consistent first-team opportunities for the remainder of the season, Smith Rowe is open to a loan move, and West Ham is willing to accommodate him. However, they may face competition from other Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa having previously shown interest in acquiring Smith Rowe.

Arteta gave Smith Rowe his solitary Premier League start of the season against Sheffield United in October, during which the midfielder provided an assist in Arsenal’s 5-0 victory before sustaining a knee injury that kept him out until December. Additionally, Smith Rowe started in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round win over Brentford but has been plagued by fitness issues throughout the current season, limiting his playing time to just 245 minutes, with 116 minutes in the Premier League.

Despite his injury setbacks, West Ham is keen on securing Smith Rowe on loan, should Arsenal greenlight the deal. The Hammers are aiming to bolster their creative options, having scored 33 goals in 20 Premier League games this season, ranking ninth in the league.

During the 2021/22 season, Smith Rowe demonstrated his attacking prowess, scoring 10 goals and providing two assists in 33 top-flight appearances, with 21 starts, prompting admiration from the likes of Jamie Carragher, who hailed his talent as “special” in October 2021.