One Arsenal star who has a strong connection with the club is now hoping to depart the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Arsenal will look to shift a number of players out of the club in this summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta needs to raise funds and make room in his squad for new arrivals.
Aaron Ramsdale is expected to leave the club this summer. Arsenal are also now keen to cash in on Thomas Partey. A number of other players also now face very uncertain futures in North London.
There is also a group of players that Arteta is yet to make a firm decision on. Fabio Vieira may well fall into this category, as the Portuguese playmaker has flattered to deceive since his arrival at the club, but there is clearly plenty of raw potential in him. Jakub Kiwior and Hale End academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe may also consider themselves to be in a similar position.
Emile Smith Rowe ready to quit Arsenal
Smith Rowe has been on the books with Arsenal since the age of ten. He has now made 115 senior first team appearances for the club, across all competitions, since making his debut in 2018.
The 2021/22 season was a real breakout campaign for Smith Rowe, as he established himself as a regular starter and racked up ten Premier League goals.
However, he has not found the back of the net for Arsenal since that season, as injuries have limited his opportunities and he has tumbled down the pecking order.
At this stage in his career, the 23-year-old needs to be playing regular football. It could be that his opportunity to truly cement himself in Arteta’s long-term plans has passed, and that a move to pastures new would give him the chance he needs to get his career back on track.
Journalist Charles Watts has now offered his insight into the 3-cap England international’s current circumstances and options.
Writing in his Daily Briefing column, the reporter said: “A final decision on his future has not yet been taken, but discussions are going on which should make things clearer soon.
“My expectation is still that he will leave and that he will stay in the Premier League. That is certainly his preference.
“Nothing has been decided yet, but my understanding is still that there is an acceptance on the players’ side that he now needs a move to try and kickstart a career that has stalled over the last couple of seasons.
“He loves Arsenal, but he wants to play and it’s pretty clear that he is not going to get the opportunity to do that much should he stay for another year.”
Could Smith Rowe still shine for Arsenal?
There can be no doubting Smith Rowe’s talent. The midfielder is technically gifted, offers intelligent movement on the pitch in the final third, and boasts an eye for goal. If he were given regular starts, and could stay fit long enough to play his way back into form, then he could certainly still have an impact for the Gunners.
However, the quality of competition for places and minutes at Arsenal is now incredibly high, and Arteta is unlikely to afford Smith Rowe the game time he needs to get back to his best.