Arsenal ‘monitoring’ £42.5m star who Arteta has ‘shortlisted’ to replace Smith Rowe

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on one Premier League star who Mikel Arteta wants to replace one Hale End academy graduate. 

Arsenal are looking for an upgrade on Emile Smith Rowe.

Smith Rowe will be allowed to leave Arsenal in the upcoming summer transfer window. The England star has fallen down the pecking order in recent seasons, as recurrent injury issues have severely hindered his progress.

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly a talented player, who has shown that he can shine at Premier League level before, but Mikel Arteta now seems ready to move on from the Hale End star. 

Arteta recently claimed that Smith Rowe remains in his plans, but that no longer seems to be the case. The midfielder has managed just ten Premier League appearances so far this season, only two of which have come as starts. He has not found the back of the net for the north London club since April 2022.

As reported by the Daily Star, Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White has now been identified as the ideal candidate to take Smith Rowe’s place in the squad at the Emirates Stadium. 

Arsenal now want to sign Morgan Gibbs-White

The Gunners are said to be “monitoring” the 24-year-old, who Arteta has “shortlisted” as a candidate to replace Smith Rowe.

Nottingham Forest paid £42.5 million to prise Gibbs-White away from Wolves in the summer of 2022. The attacking-midfielder has since impressed at the City Ground, often being the standout performer in an otherwise struggling side.

So far this season, the former England under-21 international has contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in 33 appearances, across all competitions. Last season, he chipped in with 5 goals and 8 assists in 40 outings.

Nottingham Forest could now be forced to cash-in on Gibbs-White in order to address their own financial concerns. The Midlands outfit has recently been docked points by the Premier League for failing to keep their financial losses within acceptable limits. Therefore, they need to raise funds urgently. Arsenal now appear poised to take advantage of this situation.

Should Mikel Arteta give up on Emile Smith Rowe?

Smith Rowe is a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium. He is a homegrown talent who has previously shown that he can make an impact in this team. In the 2021/22 campaign, before his injury woes derailed his progress, he racked up ten Premier League goals and found his way into the England team.

If he can find a way to maintain his fitness, he could surely still be a valuable member of Arteta’s squad. Many Arsenal fans would love to see him revive his career in north London, rather than be replaced by Gibbs-White, or anyone else.