Arsenal supporters have now had their say on the latest transfer rumour involving midfield ace Emile Smith Rowe.
The future of Emile Smith Rowe at Arsenal is in considerable doubt.
The Hale End academy graduate has fallen down he pecking order at the Emirates Stadium in recent seasons. Injuries have interrupted his progress, and Mikel Arteta now seems reluctant to rely upon the 23-year-old on a regular basis.
Smith Rowe is a fan-favourite in North London, and has shone for the Gunners in the Premier League in the past. The 2021/22 campaign was a really breakout campaign for the 3-cap England international, as he struck 10 Premier League goals and became an integral figure in the regular starting XI. However, Smith Rowe has only had a handful of starts, and has failed to score in any competition, in the two seasons since that term.
Does Mikel Arteta need to let Emile Smith Rowe leave Arsenal?
There can be no doubting his potential, but he has now reached the stage in his career when he needs to be playing regular football, and he seems unlikely to be granted that opportunity at Arsenal. Arteta has insisted that Smith Rowe remains in his plans, but there is little evidence that the midfielder features heavily in his thinking.
For Smith Rowe’s own good, he may be wise to push for an exit this summer. Even if the player himself isn’t asking for a departure, Arteta still has to make a firm decision on Smith Rowe’s future before the new season begins.
Fulham have now emerged as suitors for Smith Rowe’s signature. There is a chance that he could join former Arsenal star Alex Iwobi in West London. He would also likely get far more regular game time at Craven Cottage.
Responding to this rumour, many Arsenal fans have reluctantly accepted that now may well be the time to let Smith Rowe go, and have urged Arteta to take this action.
Arsenal fans react to Emile Smith Rowe exit rumour
One supporter said: “Sell. It’s better for the club and his own sake. We all know he won’t get much game time, so it’s for the best.”
Another stated: “Sell. He didn’t get any minutes last season that said Arteta remotely trusts him. Nwaneri can get those minutes which would be far more beneficial. I’d sell Vieira too for the same reasons.”
One fan claimed: “I love ESR, I really do. However, he just doesn’t play and that is the long and the short of it. Ask yourselves this, would you notice if he wasn’t there?”
Another chipped in with: “sometimes loving him means letting him go. he’s too good to be bench warmer.”
One fan said: “Not a bad club for him to go to, I’d rather he went on loan though, I still think he can do something for us.”