Emile Smith Rowe now compared to Paul Merson, and his Arsenal exit really would prove it

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Emile Smith Rowe is a popular player within the Arsenal squad, but he could be on the move this summer in search of more playing opportunities.

Smith Rowe has started just three Premier League games in the last two seasons, and despite his talent, the 23-year-old may be better off parting ways with Arsenal.

Arsenal rejected a bid from Fulham for the midfielder, but could be prepared to accept an increased offer of around £40m, which would make him the club’s most expensive sale ever.

Smith Rowe hit his best form in 2021-22, and even earned himself an England call-up. A midfielder who can also play out wide, he has now been compared to former Arsenal icon Paul Merson, and the comparisons could not be more apt.

Phil Thompson compares Emile Smith Rowe to Arsenal icon Paul Merson

Speaking to talkSPORT, former Liverpool star Phil Thompson compared Smith Rowe to Merson given his versatility and quality.

“I looked at him and he reminded me so much of Merse (Paul Merson),” Thompson claimed.

“The way he glided through games, the way he sort of moved reminded me (of Paul Merson).

“What Merse has done on a football pitch, this is what what Emile Smith could do. Is he actually a striker or is he a number 10? He could play right, he could play left. I looked at him and thought, ‘My goodness, you have so much potential’.”

Why Emile Smith Rowe is similar to Paul Merson ahead of potential Arsenal exit

Merson was an Arsenal academy graduate who was a big hit in the first-team, establishing himself as a club icon under George Graham.

He was a popular player amongst the fans, and like Smith Rowe, was used in a variety of midfield and attacking roles, with Ian Wright recently highlighting Merson’s outstanding performances in training.

Smith Rowe became the first Arsenal player to score on their first start for England in 2021 since Merson did it in 1992, and alongside Bukayo Saka, became the first Arsenal players to score 10 in a season before turning 21 since Merson in 1989.

Arsene Wenger knew that Merson’s time was coming to an end, and sold him in the summer of 1997. This allowed him to buy midfielder Emmanuel Petit and winger Marc Overmars, who then won the Premier League in their first season at Highbury.

Merson was sacrificed to upgrade the squad despite his popularity, and Smith Rowe could follow a similar path.

Arsenal have been linked with midfielders including Mikel Merino, and wingers such as Nico Williams. They can both play in Smith Rowe’s position, and if he is sold to help bring them in, they may fancy themselves to have similar impacts to Petit and Overmars in helping Arteta’s side get over the line to win the league.