Emile Smith-Rowe reportedly has a pact with Arsenal to leave the club if the time is right in the future amid his reduced game time.
According to Football Insider, Emile Smith-Rowe could leave Arsenal in the coming window if the club decides on more attacking signings that would endanger his place in the squad. The 23-year-old has not featured prominently, and the report suggests he might have a pact with the club regarding his future.
Leaving Arsenal is something Emile Smith-Rowe never thought about since breaking through under Mikel Arteta. Injuries have prevented him from getting the right tutoring and blocked his development in a side that has essentially thrived during his absence.
While Smith-Rowe achieved important status within the squad for his exploits during the 2021-22 season, when he notched 10 goals, his injury-led absence has allowed others to stake a claim. Gabriel Martinelli has been the biggest benefactor of the 23-year-old’s absence, as the Brazilian has taken over the left-hand slot in the attacking third.
Despite returning to fitness in the last months of the previous campaign, Arteta has not found enough room to include the Englishman. Barring a few substitute appearances, Smith-Rowe did not find much game time last season.
The trend has continued into the new campaign, with the Englishman only starting that one cup game against Brentford. He did feature for a few more minutes against Bournemouth, but as things stand, the 23-year-old does not stand a chance to consistently start games for Arsenal unless there is an injury crisis.
Some reports suggested Smith-Rowe was already considering his future at the club, but those have been premature and nothing to suggest the player wants to leave. Yet, there’s a feeling that if Arteta continues to sideline the 23-year-old, things could change on that front.
Now, the report insists Smith-Rowe has a pact with Arsenal that could allow him to transfer if the club keeps signing attacking talents. The Gunners did knock back Chelsea’s approach during the summer, but there were other clubs, like Aston Villa and Newcastle United, also keen.
Arsenal are keen on adding to their attack. They are already linked to Pedro Neto and could make a concerted effort to sign the Portuguese winger. If that happens, the Gunners could open the lid on this reported ‘pact’.
As things stand, the future looks bleak for Smith-Rowe if he craves to play regularly in this team. Arteta certainly values this player, but even the manager will consider selling him if the 23-year-old lacks in his fight to make the grade at the club.
