By Gabriel Agbonlahor

8th Oct, 2023 | 6:00am

West Ham '100%' backed to sign Smith Rowe - and this is where he would play

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed West Ham should “100%” pursue a move for Arsenal fringe star Emile Smith Rowe as he weighs up his future.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted new Gunners signing Kai Havertz will get “chance after chance” ahead of the 23-year-old.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (4 October) that there will be significant interest from Premier League clubs in Smith Rowe if he leaves Arsenal.

It is believed the Gunners star is weighing up his options amid a continued lack of involvement at the Emirates Stadium.

Football Insider revealed in August that West Ham and Chelsea registered their interest in a late-window deal for the 23-year-old.

Smith Rowe has made six appearances across all competitions this season, totalling just 135 minutes of action.

When asked if the midfielder would be a smart signing for West Ham, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “100%. I really like him.

“It sometimes comes to a point where you love your club but you have to leave.

“I think Smith Rowe is now at that point.

“When the manager pays £60million for Kai Havertz, he’s going to get chance after chance. Not deservedly, but he will.

“There’s Vieira in there as well, so I don’t think Smith Rowe will get the minutes.

“I think he should leave. It’s a big time in his career.

“I think he fits the West Ham mould. You could have him in behind Antonio in that side.

“It won’t be just them interested. There’ll be a lot of clubs in for him.”

In other news, major update on Liverpool and Jarrod Bowen as talks open.