Former Arsenal star’s ‘monster’ statement proves that Mikel Arteta made a massive mistake

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has never shied away from making big decisions when it comes to transfers.

Mikel Arteta was bold enough to cut major stars such as Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from his Arsenal squad when he felt the time was right.

When it comes to signings, the Spanish coach has not shied away from investing both his faith and transfer funds in youth, too. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Jurrien Timber, amongst others, all arrived at the Emirates Stadium with their peak years very much still ahead of them.

There were some big changes made to the Arsenal squad in the recent summer transfer window too. Mikel Merino arrived to add a new dimension to the Gunners’ midfield contingent, and three popular Hale End academy graduates left the club.

Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah both departed on a permanent basis, whilst Reiss Nelson left the Emirates Stadium on loan.

• READ MORE: How much Arsenal paid to sign every 2024/25 first-team squad player in the transfer market

Emile Smith Rowe sends message to Arsenal

Smith Rowe recently explained why he had to leave Arsenal to seek more regular game time elsewhere.

Whilst the midfielder had proven his ability to shine at the Premier League level under Arteta in North London, his game time was restrictec in recent seasons as he slipped down the pecking order and recurrent injuries took a toll on his progress.

In the same interview with The Telegraph, the 24-year-old described himself as a player.

He said: “I kind of just turn into a monster [on the pitch]. I just try to let it all out. I just try to put in as good a performance as I can. I try to play every game as if it is my last. I just try to give everything for the team. That’s important.”

Why Mikel Arteta should never have let Smith Rowe go

Smith Rowe’s comments reflect his attitude, and had he been given more opportunities to play for Arsenal last season he would surely have rediscovered his best form.

At his best, the 3-cap England international is a sensational player, who could still have made a valuable contribution for the Gunners. Already this season his presence has been missed, as Smith Rowe would have been the ideal person for Arteta to have to call upon to deputise for the injured Odegaard.

If Smith Rowe can consistently hit the level he is capable of at Fulham, and it is clear that he is up for the fight that that challenge represents, then it will quickly become obvious that Arteta gave up on the player far too soon.