Journalist Ben Jacobs thinks Emile Smith Rowe might want to stay at Arsenal and fight for his place ahead of a decisive summer window.
Ben Jacobs on Give Me Sport thinks Emile Smith Rowe might want to continue his career at Arsenal and fight for his place. The 23-year-old utility man has suffered from injury issues over the last two seasons, and there are plenty of speculation surrounding his future ahead of what looks like a decisive summer window.
Emile Smith Rowe to stay at Arsenal?
Emile Smith Rowe continues to draw mixed feelings from Arsenal fans, as the club are now looking forward to an exciting future. Nobody tends to question his talents, as the doubts are more related to his fitness, having suffered from persistent injury problems recently.
The 23-year-old utility man was superb in the early years of Mikel Arteta’s management but has missed most of the last two seasons, leading to concerns that Arsenal might contemplate his sale this summer. Amid all the rules pertaining to FFP, there are chances of the club cashing in on their homegrown stars.
As things stand, Smith Rowe does have a lot of value in the eyes of Arsenal, and they know the array of clubs interested in signing him. Unai Emery wants him at Aston Villa, while others have also probably enquired, as Arteta rarely tends to select him.
Should all Arsenal stars stay fit, the chances of Emile Smith Rowe playing are extremely doubtful, given he has a tall pecking order in front of him before making it to the pitch. Logically, the Gunners could cash in and re-invest the money into the squad for next season, although from an emotional context, the 23-year-old utility man deserves another chance.
Ben Jacobs insists the same and thinks Smith-l Rowe might end up staying at Arsenal and fighting for his place. He suggested the player and his camp feel remaining here is their first choice.
Who are interested in Emile Smith Rowe?
Aston Villa have been one of the biggest chasers of the midfielder, and there is some interest from Newcastle United, too. The Magpies are looking at many other homegrown talents to add to their squad, and the 23-year-old utility man might make a big career like his old academy friend Joe Willock.
West Ham are also keeping tabs, with the Hammers even reportedly enquiring about Smith Rowe’s availability in January only for Arsenal to turn down the approach. As things stand, Villa might have the edge due to the presence of Emery. However, should the 23-year-old choose to stay in London, the Hammers are also a potential option, although any move will depend on Arsenal’s ultimate decision about his future.
