Arsenal are set for a busy transfer window in both signings and sales, and some unpopular decisions may have to be made.
Mikel Arteta’s side have challenged for the Premier League in back-to-back seasons, but they will now seek to upgrade their squad with the bit of extra quality they need to get over the line and win major trophies.
This could mean some popular players depart, with goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale set to leave after losing his place to David Raya, and Arteta now has a decision to make over his midfield.
Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders including Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle, and they can raise funds to strengthen this area if they sell one of their current assets there, with Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira now set to battle it out for a spot in the squad.
Arsenal could sell one of Fabio Vieira or Emile Smith Rowe this summer
Arsenal do have two very talented attacking midfielders in Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe, but the pair have hardly featured in the last two seasons.
Vieira has made just five Premier League starts since his big-money arrival from Porto, and the decision to bring him in looks particularly questionable given that his former midfield partner Vitinha is now thriving in the Champions League.
Smith Rowe was a prodigal talent at Arsenal and is still one of the most popular players in the squad, but he has hardly featured after a series of injuries disrupted his fitness and form.
Even when fit and available in recent months, Smith Rowe has been overlooked by Arteta, and it perhaps makes more sense to sell him this summer.
Arsenal may sell Emile Smith Rowe instead of Fabio Vieira
In terms of profit and sustainability rules, selling Smith Rowe, a homegrown talent for a potentially big fee, would generate pure profit in accounting which can then be reinvested.
This is not the case for Vieira as a £34m signing, meaning that Smith Rowe departing would be “more beneficial.”
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Smith Rowe’s injuries have affected him badly, and perhaps a fresh start elsewhere could help him revive his career.
This is not the case for Vieira, who was beginning to showcase his talent at the start of the season before a long-term injury, and he recently impressed off the bench in a win over Chelsea.
Fans may be frustrated that a homegrown talent like Smith Rowe could be sold to prioritise an expensive signing from abroad, but Vieira perhaps has more potential to be a key player under Arteta, whilst Smith Rowe would boost the finances significantly more.