Emile Smith Rowe stayed at Arsenal this summer despite transfer speculation linking him with an exit, but he could have moved if Mikel Arteta landed a key target.
Arsenal were heavily linked with former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, but the German decided to move to Barcelona on a free transfer.
Arteta was incredibly keen on signing the midfielder, whom he had worked with at City before, and Gundogan was one of their best performers as they won the treble last season.
Arsenal’s midfield could have looked incredibly different if they had landed the veteran alongside Declan Rice, but it may have led to the exit of a popular player in Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe could have left if Ilkay Gundogan joined Arsenal
A report from FootballTransfers has revealed that Arsenal could sell Smith Rowe in January, and that he could have left the club in the summer if Gundogan was successfully signed.
“FootballTransfers’ sources have indicated that had Arteta been successful in bringing Ilkay Gundogan to the club in the summer, Smith Rowe would have departed at that point,” it is claimed.
Gundogan departed Manchester City after an incredibly successful spell, and is now thriving at Barcelona.
Arsenal wanted the 33-year-old, but it was always unlikely that he would choose Arsenal over City or Barcelona, having had offers to stay at the Etihad as well.
Arsenal’s previous interest in Gundogan
Gundogan was sensational last season, popping up with crucial goals to help win the treble, which included an excellent brace in the FA Cup final.
City have not taken his departure well, losing all four games when fellow midfielder Rodri was unavailable through suspension, as Gundogan could also provide adequate cover for him as a defensive midfielder.
Arsenal did sign Kai Havertz in the summer, which does raise the question of whether Smith Rowe would have actually departed, or if Gundogan was to be signed in addition to his international teammate.
As good as Gundogan is, selling a popular academy product in Smith Rowe to sign a veteran would have been a short-term move, but the German could have provided enough quality and experience in midfield to help propel Arsenal to the Premier League title.
Smith Rowe has struggled for game time as a result of his injuries this season, but a sale in January may still feel premature given his vast talent and popularity at the club.
Unless another midfielder who could have had a similar impact to Gundogan arrives, Arsenal should not sell Smith Rowe.
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