Emile Smith Rowe has emerged as a transfer target for Aston Villa as the midfielder struggles to break back into the Arsenal first team.
Injuries have plagued Smith Rowe this term, which has made it hard for him to break back inside the first team at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta still considers him a key member of his group and the England international wants more game time.
It is hard to see that coming because most of our current options are doing well and he is behind them.
This has opened the door for him to leave at the end of this season and a report on The Sun says Aston Villa has an interest.
It claims Unai Emery wants a reunion with the midfielder, having worked with him at Arsenal during his spell as their gaffer.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Smith Rowe is one of our finest players and the midfielder has been unfortunate with injuries.
If he stays fit for long enough and fights for his place on the team again, he might be a key man for us.
However, there is no guarantee of that happening and we must decide on his future when the term finishes.
If this report is true, it will be the second time in as many years Villa has shown an interest in the kid.
Arsenal must act decisive if we are not going to use him, release him to the Villains.
If it’s any other team I’d take £45mil for him but because it’s Aston Villa and they low-balled us on Douglas Luiz, I say £60mil plus a 30% sell-on clause or walk.
It’s about time we started being tough and difficult in the transfer market when it comes to selling.
Imagine selling ESR for, say, £30mil to a smaller club like Aston Villa only for them to sell him to a Chelsea, Newcastle or Man Utd or City for £100mil 2 years later.
Emery as head coach at Arsenal brought ESR into the first team. His development has been disrupted by injury; however he is now apparently fit to play and ready for selection. The fact that Arteta preferred Viera over ESR in the home game against Southampton is a cause for concern.
If ESR doesnt have the faith of Arteta at Arsenal, he should pursue his career at another Club. Aston Villa under Emery appears an excellent fit.
Either use his obvious talent or let him leave. Over pricing him in the market may see him hold out for a free transfer given his age affords him time to wait.
It seems Artera doesn’t naturally line ESR. The player recoverd along time ago Bt game time isn’t available for him. Worse more preferring Vierra to ESR himself, not good for the player who wud have become our top scorer last season. Arsenal hasn’t bn successful in games where Vierra is featuring eg Sporting, Soton etc. So ESR shud just leave
Was he injured last night?
How Viera started over him or Trossard is a complete mystery to me
What has gone wrong with ESR? He seems to be treated like a leper.
I can well believe Emery is TRULY interested in signing ESR, having seen him first hand in his time as manager.
I see little danger of ESR wishing to go there NOR anywhere else though.