Arsenal enter ‘preliminary talks’ with club as Arteta stance on £40k-a-week ace becomes clear

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Arsenal have now entered into negotiations with a Premier League club over a transfer deal for one attacking midfielder. 

With Euro 2024 and Copa America now over, transfer activity is expected to pick up, with Arsenal likely to be busy in the coming weeks.

There are sure to be a number of incomings and outgoings at the Emirates Stadium, ahead of the new season, as Mikel Arteta will want to strengthen his squad but must also maintain a manageable first team group.

The Gunners are keen to add to their ranks in several key positions. Arsenal are closing in on a deal for Riccardo Calafiori. Signing a midfielder is also a priority for Arteta. There is also likely to be a striker brought into the club and a new goalkeeper.

This means that some fan favourites and established stars could make way in order to make room for new arrivals. Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave Arsenal this summer. Arteta is also keen to cash in on Thomas Partey.

On top of that, Hale End academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe also faces an uncertain future in North London.

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe from his parents to tattoo

Fulham in talks to sign Arsenal ace Emile Smith Rowe

Smith Rowe is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium, and there can be no denying his talent. The £40,000-a-week star has shone in the Premier League in the past. In the 2021/22 campaign, the 23-year-old was a key figure for the Gunners, and chipped in with ten goals. 

Since then, though, the 3-cap England ace has failed to find the back of the net in any competition, as injuries and a fall down the pecking order have restricted his opportunities.

At this stage in his career, Smith Rowe needs regular game time, something he seems unlikely to get under Arteta. As such, a move away from the club this summer may be wise for the midfielder.

According to Football Insider, Fulham have entered into “preliminary talks” with Arsenal over a deal for Smith Rowe, as it seems that the Gunners have formally decided that the player is for sale.

Is Mikel Arteta making a mistake in letting Smith Rowe leave Arsenal?

Last season, Arteta insisted that Smith Rowe remains in his plans. However, this assertion never translated into regular football for the player, even when he was fit and available. 

It would now seem that the Spanish coach has accepted that there is simply no room for Smith Rowe in his plans.

However, there is a chance that the Gunners could come to regret letting Smith Rowe go if he can get back to his best at Craven Cottage.