One damning Arsenal trend shows exactly why Emile Smith Rowe decision is necessary for Edu Gaspar

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are set to sell popular midfielder Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham, with a fee which could potentially match the club’s record sale.

Arsenal have been criticised for their ability to maximise sale value of their players in recent years, with several high-profile stars leaving for free after terminating their contracts.

The likes of Nicolas Pepe and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had their contracts mutually terminated despite costing the club over £100m combined, and this is simply not sustainable going forward.

Smith Rowe has started just three Premier League games in the last two seasons despite his talent, and whilst his value has dropped from what it was two seasons ago, the fee is still pure profit for Arsenal.

This sale was necessary for Edu Gaspar, and it should now start a new trend where Arsenal maximise their potential when it comes to sales, which would then increase the ability of Mikel Arteta to invest in his squad.

Arsenal poor sales under Edu Gaspar highlighted

Arsenal have gone through a damaging trend in recent years where large investments have left for little, and those who have been sold have gone for below their possible values.

In the last 12 transfer windows, Arsenal have sold just three players for over £20m: Joe Willock, Granit Xhaka and Folarin Balogun.

• READ MORE: Arsenal’s most expensive transfer sales of all time

In that time, they have signed 18 players for £20m or more, which includes a £105m investment on Declan Rice, as well as £72m on Nicolas Pepe, who had his contract terminated last year after several offers were rejected.

This is simply not sustainable, and it highlights how Arsenal may sometimes need to make more uncomfortable sales at the right times, before players see their values drop.

Emile Smith Rowe departure is necessary for Arsenal to improve sales

Arsenal initially rejected a bid from Fulham before a deal could be agreed in principle for Smith Rowe, and Edu has done well to stick to his valuation of the player.

They will now receive a healthy profit for Smith Rowe, which given his homegrown status, will be a massive boost with regard to profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Smith Rowe’s sale is not one which the club may have wanted to make, given his status as a top talent who thrived in a struggling side alongside Bukayo Saka, but it now shows that they are willing to make tough decisions which will lead to long-term benefit.