Mikel Arteta is relentlessly seeking those critical extra inches as Arsenal once again fell short in the Premier League title race. Last season saw a complete collapse, but this time, Arsenal pushed Manchester City to the very last day.
The addition of Declan Rice last summer, for a club-record fee, made a significant impact, helping the team secure crucial points against their title rivals. With the summer transfer window reopening next month, Arsenal may need to follow a similar strategy to gain the final edge required to become champions.
However, this task will be more challenging due to Arsenal’s substantial spending in recent years, necessitating financial prudence and balanced books. This situation puts the spotlight on current players and potential sales.
Attention naturally turns to academy graduates because, as Darren Bent pointed out on talkSPORT (03/06/24 at 4:20 pm), selling them represents “100% profit.” One such player is Emile Smith Rowe, a beloved academy product whose departure would be bittersweet despite his crucial role in saving Arteta’s job alongside Bukayo Saka.
Smith Rowe has faced injuries and limited playing time, with just 345 Premier League minutes this season and 161 the previous one. His sale could facilitate the acquisition of proven first-team players necessary to finally clinch the title.
“It might not just be about balancing the books but also about profit,” said Bent. “You get 100% profit from Emile Smith Rowe. It would be sad to see him go, but he needs to play if he’s not getting opportunities at Arsenal.”
Smith Rowe remains a high-quality performer. In the 2021/22 season, he scored ten Premier League goals, demonstrating his ability to carry the ball forward and play effectively as a left winger or number ten. His talent ensures he will have plenty of admirers, making now the right time for him to continue his career elsewhere.
