West Ham have had a loan offer knocked back for Arsenal attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist claims that the Gunners were not interested in loaning out the England international, while the player himself is “happy to stay” at the Emirates:

🚨🔴⚪️ Arsenal have rejected West Ham initial approach for Emile Smith-Rowe to join on loan.

No intention to let ESR leave on loan as still considered key for Arteta squad; player also happy to stay at #AFC. pic.twitter.com/zeOiXlOYBj

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 20, 2024

It does appear that the Hammers’ attempt to bring in Smith Rowe was always likely to fail, which raises the question as to why they made an approach to secure his services in the first place.

West Ham are expected to move on to other targets

As a deal for Smith Rowe looks out of the question, the Irons are expected to consider different options before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Prior to their bid for Smith Rowe, David Moyes’ side were more focused on signing a winger. The likes of Norwich’s Jonathan Rowe, Sunderland’s Jack Clarke and Juventus’s Samuel Iling-Junior have all been linked in recent weeks.

There was also interest in Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson and Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho but both of those deals hit the buffers, with the latter having already left to join Borussia Dortmund.

Scouts are watching potential recruits at the Asian Cup

In addition to wingers, it is believed that Tim Steidten has been tasked with scouting a couple of different fullbacks. West Ham’s technical director has reportedly been keeping an eye on AZ Alkmaar’s Yukinari Sugawara, who in Japan’s squad for the Asian Cup.

However, a move for South Korean international Seol Young-woo is said to be more likely. The right-back is currently playing for K League side Ulsan HD.