Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano believes that the future of Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal is destined to be determined by one thing.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have plenty of important decisions to make when the upcoming summer transfer window opens.
The Gunners will need to raise funds in the off-season. There are plenty of areas of the Arsenal squad in need of additions and upgrades. For instance, signing an elite-level striker is considered a must by many. Adequate cover and competition for Bukayo Saka is also required. There is also a midfield rebuild due at Arsenal.
In order to bring these players in to the Emirates Stadium, though, space must be made in the squad and money must be raised via player sales.
Arteta and sporting director Edu will work together closely to reshape the Arsenal squad. Some decisions will have already been essentially made. For example, Arsenal are aware that Aaron Ramsdale will certainly leave in the summer. Cedric Soares is also set to depart as a free agent, and will likely be followed out by Mohamed Elneny.
Arsenal are also thought to be willing to cash-in on Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe.
Fabrizio Romano has say on Emile Smith Rowe future
In the case of Smith Rowe though, according to Fabrizio Romano, things very much still remain in the balance.
Writing in his Daily Briefing about the Hale End academy graduate’s future, the Italian reporter said, “Emile Smith Rowe’s future continues to be the subject of some speculation after a lack of playing time for Arsenal this season, while we also know there was interest from West Ham United back in January.”
“In terms of what will happen in the summer, I think a lot depends on these final two months, how much he will play and be involved…and then Arsenal will make final decision together with the player. This is not something clear yet, so let’s wait and see how the situation looks after the final stages of the season.”
“As I said, Smith Rowe was on West Ham’s list in January but at that time he really wanted to stay at Arsenal, and also Mikel Arteta wanted to keep him. This was the clear decision of both parties, then let’s see if it changes for the summer, but there’s nothing concrete to report as of now.”
What Emile Smith Rowe must do to save Arsenal career
Many Arsenal fans would love to see Smith Rowe revive his career in north London. There can be no doubting the Croydon-born 23-year-old’s natural talent. He has shone at Premier League level for the Gunners before.
However, over the course of the last couple of seasons, as recurrent injury issues have plagued him, the three-cap England international has slipped further and further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite this, as suggested by Romano, there is still time for Smith Rowe to prove his worth. With Arsenal still seeking to go all the way to glory in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season, Arteta will need to lean on the strength in depth in his squad to negotiate what will be a hectic and intense run-in.
If Smith Rowe can stay fit – which is the biggest ‘if’ of them all – and if he can make an impact for the Gunners in this crucial late stage of the campaign, he may well save his future at the club.