Emile Smith Rowe rejected Tottenham, despite his dad being a fan, and joined Arsenal after Chelsea p
Emile Smith Rowe has earned his first England call-up thanks to sensational Arsenal form - but it could have been so different for the 'Croydon De Bruyne'.
A London boy, he nearly ended up at both Chelsea and Tottenham ahead of the Gunners - but things have worked out pretty much perfectly for the 21-year-old.
He's made 58 appearances at the Emirates and scored 12 goals in all competitions as he makes a remarkable ascent to the top.
Alongside fellow youngster Bukayo Saka, the attacking midfielder is injecting creativity, positivity and final product.
He's helping manager Mikel Arteta's side recover from a disappointing start to the campaign and now Arsenal look like they could potentially finish in the top four for the first time since 2016.
Smith Rowe, though, nearly didn't make it to Arsenal - and their fans will be delighted he found his way there.
Chelsea almost nabbed the wonderkid but they eventually turned down the opportunity to sign him up.
He said: "I went in for about three or four weeks but, at the time, I was quite small, really skinny and just kept getting pushed off the balI.
"I wasn’t getting involved and touching the ball enough. That’s what it felt like, why I didn’t get in."
And Tottenham also wanted to land him, but he opted to remain with his beloved Gunners - despite his dad being a Spurs fan.
He added: "Tottenham wanted me when I was 15 or 16 but, as an Arsenal fan, I was never interested. I joined Arsenal at 10 and I was determined to make the grade at my club."
New England teammate Reece James has always believed in Smith Rowe's ability having faced him and played alongside him during that spell with the Blues.
"I've always known he is a top player. He came to Chelsea when he was quite young, actually, on trial," James told reporters on England duty. "I remember playing with him and playing against him.
"Even when he moved to Arsenal, I always knew he was a top player and I think this season he's shown how good he is and why he's been selected."
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