Darren Bent has admitted that he would be upset to see one Arsenal star leave this summer following new rumours this week.
The transfer window is almost upon us with Arsenal set for a hectic few months, with Mikel Arteta tasked with signing a striker and a midfielder as the Gunners aim to add to their squad to finally beat Manchester City to the title.
As well as new signings, outgoings will be on the agenda for Arsenal, with a number of big-name players expected to leave north London this summer as Arteta looks to overhaul the squad with better options.
Yet one potential sale has got former Premier League striker Bent feeling quite sad.
Bent upset over Emile Smith Rowe rumours as Arsenal exit looms
Speaking on TalkSport, Bent voiced his sadness over Emile Smith Rowe potentially leaving Arsenal this summer, with the 23-year-old expected to depart his boyhood club in the coming weeks.
Fulham have been strongly linked with a move for Smith Rowe in recent days, and there now seems to be a good chance of the England international being sold by Arteta in order to get his career back up and running away from Arsenal.
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Indeed, Smith Rowe is a fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium despite hardly playing in the last two seasons, and Bent certainly isn’t alone in being upset about the Hale End academy graduate potentially leaving this summer.
Bent said: “I would be sad to see him leave. As a young kid coming through, I loved watching him play for Arsenal, but again, if he is not going to get many opportunities, he needs to play.”
Smith Rowe departure would benefit both parties this summer
Even with Smith Rowe as loved as he is amongst Arsenal fans, most would agree that an exit this summer would be beneficial for both the player and the club, who could recoup a big fee for the 23-year-old.
Smith Rowe’s development has hit quite the snag in the last two years due to injury, yet even when fit, Arteta has opted against using the attacking midfielder even when the nature of some games was perfect for the youngster.
As a result, Smith Rowe leaving Arsenal could be for the best this summer, with the benefits greatly outweighing the negatives if a transfer was to go through in the coming weeks.