Arsenal’s stance on signing Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has now been established.
Arsenal may well now be in the market for another attacking midfielder.
With Emile Smith Rowe having left the Emirates Stadium, there is a gap in Mikel Arteta’s squad, and numerous ways it could be filled.
There are possible internal solutions for the manager to consider. Arteta has suggested Havertz could play in midfield for the Gunners again this season, despite having struggled in the role when deployed there last time out.
However, as Arsenal are now on the hunt for a striker, Havertz could be forced deeper by the arrival of a new option to lead the line.
Alternatively, Ethan Nwaneri may be given the chance to replace Smith Rowe. The Hale End academy wonderkid looks ready to step up and take on a greater first team role. There is now a pathway for him to do exactly that.
On the other hand, Arteta may turn to the transfer window to find another option to take up the left-eight role in his midfield trio. Arsenal are pushing to sign Mikel Merino, but there are complications holding up that deal, not least the fact that members of the Gunners’ hierarchy have doubts about the Spain international.
On top of that, Arsenal have been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White.
Will Arsenal sign Morgan Gibbs-White?
There is no doubt that Gibbs-White is a talented player. The 24-year-old is a talismanic figure for Nottingham Forest.
According to Arsenal Insider sources, though, Nottingham Forest are under no pressure to offload the midfielder, and certainly have no desire to part with him.
Arsenal are not the only top club in the Premier League to admire Gibbs-White, but as things stand the Gunners have not formalised their interest in any way and are aware that it would take a huge offer to prise him away from the City Ground.
As things stand, Arsenal are not set to move for Gibbs-White this summer.
Will Arsenal regret selling Emile Smith Rowe?
Smith Rowe was a popular figure at Arsenal, and whilst he was a fringe figure for the Gunners last season, his talent is beyond doubt.
For the good of his career, the 3-cap England international probably needed to move on from the Emirates Stadium, but Smith Rowe is already missed by his Arsenal teammates.
Arteta has also been warned Smith Rowe could prove the manager’s decision to let him go to have been a mistake.
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