Mikel Arteta is keen to keep Emile Smith Rowe this summer, if Arsenal can offload an alternative player instead.
Emile Smith Rowe’s future at Arsenal is still up in the air.
The Hale End academy graduate has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium in the last two seasons, whilst recurrent injury concerns have also conspired to limit his game time and hinder his progress.
There is no doubt that the 23-year-old is a fantastic talent, and he has shone for the Gunners before. Mikel Arteta still clearly has faith in the midfielder too.
However, at this stage in his career, the 3-cap England international needs to be playing regular football. Fulham have already made an attempt to sign Smith Rowe this summer, and the player would certainly stand an excellent chance of establishing himself as a key figure at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal are yet to make a final decision on what to do with Smith Rowe this summer, though, and the player himself is yet to make his mind up about his future.
Mikel Arteta stance on Emile Smith Rowe emerges amid doubt over his Arsenal future
According to The Athletic, there is certainly a chance that Smith Rowe could leave the club this summer.
As reported by journalist James McNicholas: “Arsenal have already declined a bid from Fulham and are fielding interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
“There are players that Mikel Arteta and Arsenal would prefer to sell ahead of Emile Smith Rowe. Arteta remains a huge fan of the player, and the club have not been particularly enamoured with the No 8s available on the market this summer.
“The wishes of the player may be the determining factor. If Smith Rowe expresses a firm desire to leave, and Arsenal receive a suitable offer, the club are unlikely to stand in his way.”
It has already been made clear that Arsenal want to respect Smith Rowe’s wishes this summer. Therefore, if the player asks to leave, then he shall be allowed to, as long as an acceptable offer for his services is received.
However, that point is yet to be reached, and evidently there are other players that Arteta feels more compelled to sell.
Why Arsenal would rather sell Reiss Nelson than Smith Rowe
Like Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson is a graduate of the club’s Hale End academy system who now finds himself on the outskirts of Arteta’s squad. The winger was only afforded one Premier League start last season and is in need of a fresh start elsewhere to give his career the kickstart it requires.
West Ham United have shown an interest in signing Nelson this summer. However, the East London outfit’s recent actions suggest that Nelson is no longer their top target.
In any case, Arteta would surely rather offload Nelson than Smith Rowe, as whilst the Gunners have struggled to find prospective No. 8s to sign, they are still in the race to secure the services of Spanish winger Nico Williams. The Athletic Bilbao man would represent an upgrade on Nelson.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
