Arsenal look set to part ways with a popular player in Emile Smith Rowe this summer, but it is unclear where he will end up.
Smith Rowe has hardly featured in the last two seasons after a long-term injury, and the 23-year-old looks ready to move on from Arsenal in search of more first-team opportunities.
The Hale End graduate was outstanding in the 2021-22 season, scoring 10 Premier League goals from midfield, and despite his lack of game time, Smith Rowe still remains a superb talent.
Arsenal could boost their finances in terms of profit and sustainability rules with a big sale for Smith Rowe, and he would be capable of performing well for a good Premier League side.
However, he now has the option of a loan to the Championship as Luton Town have registered an ambitious interest in the midfielder.
Luton Town want Emile Smith Rowe on loan from Arsenal
A report from Football Transfers has now revealed that Luton Town, who were relegated after their first season in the Premier League, are interested in a loan move for Smith Rowe.
Luton want the Arsenal ace to replace Ross Barkley, who recently joined Aston Villa, whilst they have also lost Albert Sambi Lokonga, who was on loan at Kenilworth Road from Arsenal.
Luton manager Rob Edwards recently praised the Englishman after his player of the match performance in a 2-0 win against his side at the Emirates.
“He’s a really good player,” Edwards stated of Smith Rowe in April.
“I was lucky enough, he probably won’t remember this, but I did a few camps with him with the under-20s when I was working at the FA. And I thought he was outstanding.
“We played Portugal, we won 1-0 in Portugal and he was brilliant. So I’ve always been a big admirer of his.
“Yeah, I thought he was very good. He’s a top player. They’ve got a lot of players here. And it’s just unfortunate they’ve not been able to get in. But I think he’s an exceptional player.”
Championship move would not suit Emile Smith Rowe
Whilst Barkley did enjoy a rejuvenation at Luton Town, and a move there would give Smith Rowe the opportunity to play regularly to rediscover his best form, a Championship move must simply be out of the question.
Arsenal would likely prefer a sale whilst Smith Rowe’s value is high, and even if he was to perform well at Luton, dropping down to the Championship is too much of a step backwards for him.
A loan to a Premier League side cannot be ruled out yet, and even joining a newly-promoted side such as Ipswich, and playing regularly in the top flight, would be much better for Smith Rowe than moving to a lower division.