July 20th 2024.
According to reports, Mikel Arteta is determined to hold onto Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal this summer, despite receiving interest from Fulham and Crystal Palace. While the Gunners have already rejected offers from both clubs, it is expected that they will return with improved bids in the coming weeks.
Fulham's initial bid of £30 million was turned down by Arsenal, while Palace is rumored to be preparing a proposal worth £35 million plus add-ons for the 23-year-old midfielder. This puts the Arsenal management in a tough position as they weigh the potential sale of Smith Rowe against his promising potential and recent lack of playing time under Arteta.
Despite the midfielder's limited minutes on the field last season, The Guardian reports that Arteta is not willing to part ways with Smith Rowe. The 23-year-old has been with the Gunners since his first-team debut in 2018 and has shown great potential in his few appearances.
Unfortunately, Smith Rowe's progress has been hindered by a groin injury in the 2022/23 campaign and he has only started three games in the Premier League last season. Over the past two years, he has played a total of just 508 minutes in the top flight.
It is understandable that Smith Rowe is now seeking regular playing time, and his potential sale would bring in a significant profit for Arsenal's finances. This is due to the fact that the sale of academy players is recorded as pure profit in the club's accounts.
Recently, former Arsenal captain Tony Adams expressed his concerns about Smith Rowe's stagnating development and suggested that he should consider leaving the club this summer. He also urged Arteta to give the young midfielder more playing time in order for him to reach his full potential.
Adams stated, "When you have a comfortable lead, like 2-0 after 70 minutes, you should bring on Smith Rowe to develop him. I feel like both him and Eddie Nketiah should be looking to move on. It's up to Arteta to work with them and give them the necessary time to grow, but that also depends on whether we acquire another center forward."
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