Arsenal must now take advantage of one Premier League club’s interest in Emile Smith Rowe in order to force a better deal for one player.
Having been with the North London club since the age of ten, Emile Smith Rowe could now be set to say goodbye to Arsenal in this summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons, and needs to be playing regular football at this stage in his career. Mikel Arteta seems unlikely to afford the Hale End academy graduate the game time that he needs, and could use the funds that his sale would generate.
Smith Rowe has not made a decision about his future yet but Arsenal won’t stand in his way if he decides to leave the Emirates Stadium, as long as their own demands are mat. The Gunners have already knocked back one bid for the player from Fulham.
According to The Standard, Crystal Palace have now joined the Cottagers in the race for the 3-cap England international’s signature. As Smith Rowe was born in Croydon, a switch to the South London club may well appeal, and the Eagles’ interest could certainly be turned to Arsenal’s advantage.
Arsenal must use Crystal Palace interest in Emile Smith Rowe to drive down Eberechi Eze price
Arsenal are known to hold an interest in Eberechi Eze, who is also believed to be available for £60 million. The Crystal Palace playmaker would be perfect for Arsenal, too.
However, as things stand, the Eagles’ asking price may well be a sticking point. However, the potential now exists for Smith Rowe to be included in a swap deal for Eze, significantly driving down the latter’s price.
Arsenal are said to want more than £30 million for Smith Rowe, as reported by The Times, meaning he could reasonably knock over half off of Eze’s asking price.
Why Eze would be perfect for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
Eze has already shown that he can shine at Premier League level, and his skillset would allow him to solve numerous problems in Arteta’s squad. Primarily, the 26-year-old could become a regular starter at the Emirates Stadium in the left-eight midfield role, where his guile, creativity, and eye for goal would be a huge asset.
On top of that, he also offers cover for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in the wide areas. Eze would be perfectly-suited to Arteta’s style of play and would represent an exciting acquisition.
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