As the saga surrounding the future of Emile Smith Rowe rumbles on, Arsenal face surrendering their power in negotiations.
Crystal Palace and Fulham are keen to prise Emile Smith Rowe away from Arsenal in this summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old midfielder is a popular figure at the Emirates Stadium. As a Hale End academy graduate, who has been on the club’s books since the age of ten, he obviously has a close connection with the North London outfit.
What’s more, he is also a supremely talented player. Smith Rowe has shone in the Premier League before, establishing himself as a star in Mikel Arteta’s side in the 2021/22 season, when he racked up ten top flight goals.
However, the 3-cap England international has failed to score for the Gunners in any competition since that campaign, as recurrent injuries and a fall down the pecking order have significantly restricted his playing opportunities.
At this stage in his career, Smith Rowe needs to be playing regular football, and looks unlikely to get the opportunity to do so at Arsenal. Arteta has previously insisted that Smith Rowe remains in his plans, but those words have yet to transpire into the Spanish coach giving the player significant game time.
Arsenal give up power in Emile Smith Rowe deal as Fulham and Crystal Palace push for transfer
According to The Sun (21/07/2024, page 57), Crystal Palace and Fulham are both still seeking to lure Smith Rowe away from the Emirates Stadium, but “neither have had encouragement from the player’s camp.”
The midfielder is being afforded a great deal of licence to decide his own future. It has been said that Arsenal are keen to respect Smith Rowe’s wishes this summer, due for their affection for the player.
The sentiment in this stance is laudable, and it is tricky to begrudge Smith Rowe this liberty. However, the Gunners’ position on this issue leaves them vulnerable to being caught in a weak negotiating position.
If Smith Rowe decides to stay, then Arteta remains stuck with a player he is clearly reluctant to use, and will have missed out on raising funds by moving the player on, as he remains a very sellable asset who should fetch a decent fee.
Alternatively, if Smith Rowe decides to push for an exit, the fact that he has done so will weaken Arsenal’s negotiating hand. Fulham or Crystal Palace, or any other suitors that may come forward, will know that the player is set on leaving, which makes it difficult for the North London club to negotiate a larger fee.
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