Darren Bent believes West Ham will be automatic top six contenders if they can seal the deal for Emile Smith Rowe.
The Hammers have made the Arsenal star a target in recent weeks, and they hope to seal a move for him and Kalvin Phillips in the coming days.
Arsenal is not open to selling Smith Rowe in this transfer window, and the midfielder will also not push to leave.
He has been plagued by injuries for a long time, but he wants to remain at the Emirates and fight for his place.
Mikel Arteta is also banking on Smith Rowe for the rest of the season, and the Spaniard is more than happy to keep him in his squad for the long term.
Speaking about some West Ham transfer rumours recently, Bent was asked what Smith Rowe would bring to the Hammers and he said to Talk Sport:
“If David Moyes brings the two players – Kalvin Phillips and Emile Smith Rowe, they will be two unbelievable signings for their squad.
“Especially pushing for Europe and pushing for that top six where they are.
“West Ham fans would be thinking ‘oh my goodness, what can we do with this squad?’”
Quizzed further on what the Hammers will achieve with both players, he added: “Definitely top six, minimum top six.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Smith Rowe is a good player who has been robbed of game time because of injuries.
If he can put the physical struggles behind him, he will be a key player for us.
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The gaffer would rather Smith Rowe stays on the bench and gather ring rust, than allowing the kid joining West Ham and leave eggs on his face.
Gumsmoke ia right…
Meanwhile Haveetz toils along…
No sensible fan believes for a moment that ESR will go to West HAM . AFC and ESR have far more sense than to even entertain such a non starter suggestion.
For Jon
Do not agree with you on this one. Why does it not make sense?
If you think logically, from ESR’s point of view , he could go to a club on loan where he could get more game time and come back to Arsenal next season. This also helps AFC, as he will come back a better player and if he is not in MA’s plans because he thinks he is not suitable he can find a suitable buyer.
Even though I do not want him sold I am neither AFC not MA and neither are you.
* nor MA* (NOT ‘not MA’)
I don’t know the ‘motive’ behind Arteta not giving ESR game time recently. He changed his mind at the weekend and Smith Rowe did well. He was given regular opportunities before the injuries blighted his progress so I don’t think Arteta doesn’t rate him; I think there could be a fear in the back of his mind that ESR could break down again.
Arteta needs to take the plunge and if Smith Rowe gets a lengthy period on the treatment table again then I would consider his time is up, unfortunately.