Emile Smith Rowe is yet to play a single minute of football for Arsenal in the league this season and could end up as the next Serge Gnabry.
Despite chasing the game against Fulham in yesterday’s 2-2 draw, Mikel Arteta once again did not require the services of his number 10.
And that unfortunately does spark fears that Smith Rowe could take a similar trajectory to Bayern Munich’s Gnabry.
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Gnabry left Arsenal permanently all the way back in 2016.
The German was a player full of ability and potential but Arsenal couldn’t offer him first team opportunities at the time.
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Gnabry swiftly earned himself a move to Bayern Munich from Werder Bremen once he had left England and has surely never looked back.
Five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League medal to his name, you would doubt the 28-year-old has too many regrets.
And although Smith Rowe’s progress was halted by a serious injury, he has far too much ability to be bench warmer.
If this situation continues then the 23-year-old may consider that he has a tough decision to make.Â
Arsenal’s Smith Rowe could thrive in a similar path to Gnabry
You would imagine Arsenal would be very reluctant to let Smith Rowe leave, a player you’d hope Mikel Arteta had a plan for.
However, fans may have thought the same about Folarin Balogun who is now set to join AS Monaco.
Smith Rowe’s departure would hurt more of course, a player who has already helped win North London derbies at Arsenal.
But how long can Smith Rowe settle for no minutes?
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign will of course begin soon and that should be a good opportunity for the midfielder.
However, Smith Rowe has the ability and potential to start in Arsenal’s first XI, not their rotational squad.
A decision over an Arsenal departure should still be a long way off for Smith Rowe but it’s one that may now be considered.
And if Smith Rowe isn’t afforded more chances at Arsenal then it’s definitely something the club could live to regret.